The Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Application on the Thickness and Mechanical Properties of the Thoracolumbar Fascia

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the effects of long periods of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) applied to the thoracolumbar fascia on fascia thickness, fat, and mechanical properties. Methods: Among the 15 patients with low back pain, 10 received twice-weekly ESWT of the thoracolumbar fascia for 5 weeks. The thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia was evaluated by ultrasonography before and after ESWT, and the mechanical properties (frequency, decrement, and stiffness) were assessed using a MyotonPRO device. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0, and paired t-tests were used to determine statistical differences between the pre- and post-intervention groups. The statistical significance was defined as α=0.05. Results: Ultrasonography showed a greater decrease in thoracolumbar fascia thickness in the ESWT group at 5 weeks (p=0.309). The patients who received ESWT to the thoracolumbar fascia showed significant changes in the mechanical properties of fascia stiffness and decrement values between pre- and post-intervention (p＜0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in fascia tone. Conclusion: Clinically, there was no change in thoracolumbar fascia thickness, while the reduction in muscle tone and stiffness of the thoracolumbar fascia increased the mobility following ESWT.