Use of Electrophysical Agents in Non Specific Low Back Pain: A Cross Sectional Survey on Physiotherapist in Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the electro physical agents (EPA) commonly used by physiotherapist in the management of non-specific low back pain in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on physiotherapist practicing in different clinical settings in Karachi Pakistan between January to March 2016. Written informed consent were taken from each study participants. Data were collected from 90 physiotherapists who were selected through non probability purposive sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results: It was found that out of 90 physiotherapists, 27(30.0%) male and 63(70.0%) female had responded. With mean (S. D) Age was 28.8(4.32188). The EPA used mostly in patients with non-specific low back pain as TENS 18(20.0%), Thermotherapy 17(18.9%, Ultrasound therapy 12(13.3%) and Interferential therapy 9(10.0%). In combination TENS, ultrasound and thermotherapy is about 8(8.9%) and interferential and thermotherapy is about 7(7.8 %). Conclusion: Physiotherapists give preference to some EPA such as TENS, Thermotherapy, Interferential therapy (I.F.C) and Ultrasound (U.S) to manage nonspecific low back pain. However, there is a need to highlights the use of EPA according to Evidence based practice.