Estiramiento activo excéntrico frente a estiramiento analítico pasivo de los músculos isquiotibiales en dolor lumbar inespecífico subagudo o crónico. Un estudio piloto

Abstract

Objectives1) To compare the effectiveness of active eccentric hamstring stretch according to the Pilates method versus passive analytical hamstring stretch on hamstring extensibility, disability and pain perception in patients with subacute or chronic non-specific low back pain. Material and methodsA pilot clinical trial in María Montessori and Jaime Vera primary care centers in Leganes (Madrid, Spain). Twenty-four subjects from 18 to 60 years with subacute or chronic non-specific low back pain were selected. Exclusion criteria were degenerative disorders, lumbar stenosis, spine or lower limb surgery. Subjects were randomized into two groups. Both groups received Pilates sessions twice a week for 3 weeks. After each session, group 1 performed active eccentric hamstring Pilates-based stretch while group 2 performed passive analytical hamstring stretch. Measurements were pre- and post-intervention and at 6 months follow-up, regarding: hamstring extensibility with Chattanooga inclinometer, pain perception using visual analogue scale and disability with Oswestry index. ResultsGroup 1 obtained a clinically significant improvement compared to group 2 in pain perception at post-intervention and after 6 months. In addition, it demonstrated clinically significant differences in hamstring extensibility at post-intervention. Group 2 showed clinical post-intervention differences in left hamstring extensibility. There were no differences regarding disability. ConclusionActive hamstring Pilates stretch is clinically more effective than passive hamstring stretch in pain perception at post-intervention and after 6 months. Furthermore, this technique clinically improves hamstring extensibility at post-intervention in subjects with subacute or chronic non-specific low back pain.