Effects of hamstring stretching using pressure bio feedback unit in patients with low back pain

Abstract

Background: Hamstring tightness can alter lumbar posture, impact pelvic alignment, and exacerbate low back pain. It's important to research whether hamstring stretches with a pressure biofeedback unit work for those with low back pain. Objectives: To determine the effects of hamstring stretching using a pressure biofeedback unit in patients with low back pain. Methodology: A total of n=38 Male and female subjects between the ages of 25-40 years, with >3 months history of low back pain having bilateral hamstring shortening less than 70O, and (ODI) score between 20% to 40% were enrolled in the study. The data was collected from Railway General Hospital and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A (n=18) received Active Hamstring stretch with a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). Group B (n=19) received only Active Hamstring stretch without PBU Outcome measures such as pain, hamstring length, and ODI score were measured at baseline, after the second and fourth weeks. The data was entered and evaluated by using SPSS-25. Results: The results of this study showed no significant difference between group A and group B for ODI individual items as well as ODI overall score p≥0.05. Moreover, no significant difference in NPRS score p≥0.05. however, it showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in hamstring muscle length on both legs p<0.01. Conclusion: It is concluded that hamstring stretching using a PBU causes a greater improvement in the flexibility of hamstring muscles as compared to the flexibility of hamstrings when stretched without PBU. Keywords: flexibility; hamstring muscle; low back pain; pressure bio feedback. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05059496