Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials.

Wolfgang Kemmler,Michael Fröhlich,Michael Bebenek,Heinz Kleinöder,Simon Von Stengel,Anja Weissenfels,Matthias Kohl

doi:10.1155/2017/8480429

Abstract

In order to evaluate the favorable effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on low back pain (LBP), an aspect which is frequently claimed by commercial providers, we performed a meta-analysis of individual patient data. The analysis is based on five of our recently conducted randomized controlled WB-EMS trials with adults 60 years+, all of which applied similar WB-EMS protocols (1.5 sessions/week, bipolar current, 16–25 min/session, 85 Hz, 350 μs, and 4–6 s impulse/4 s impulse-break) and used the same pain questionnaire. From these underlying trials, we included only subjects with frequent-chronic LBP in the present meta-analysis. Study endpoints were pain intensity and frequency at the lumbar spine. In summary, 23 participants of the underlying WB-EMS and 22 subjects of the control groups (CG) were pooled in a joint WB-EMS and CG. At baseline, no group differences with respect to LBP intensity and frequency were observed. Pain intensity improved significantly in the WB-EMS (p < .001) and was maintained (p = .997) in the CG. LBP frequency decreased significantly in the WB-EMS (p < .001) and improved nonsignificantly in the CG (p = .057). Group differences for both LBP parameters were significant (p ≤ .035). We concluded that WB-EMS appears to be an effective training tool for reducing LBP; however, RCTs should further address this issue with more specified study protocols.

Highlights

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases worldwide [1, 2]
In order to evaluate the favorable effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on low back pain (LBP), an aspect which is frequently claimed by commercial providers, we performed a meta-analysis of individual patient data
The rate of eligible participants in WB-EMS versus control groups (CG) differed between the underlying studies (e.g., [15], 4 : 8, versus [10], 6 : 3), all the studies provided participants for both groups

Summary

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases worldwide [1, 2]. In about 80% of the patients, the causes for chronic LBP are nonspecific [5], or best practice therapies were challenging. Lack of time was reported as the main obstacle to exercise [8]; kinesiophobia, that is, the fear of pain due to movement, is very prevalent in this cohort [9]. Alternative training technologies that overcome the prevalent limitations of conventional exercise may be promising options for people with chronic unspecific LBP. Many commercial providers promote WBEMS as an effective therapy for LBP, the scientific evidence for Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Discussion

Conclusion