Sessions Of Conventional Physiotherapy Research Articles

Effect of cranial base release and swallowing exercises in rehabilitation of post-operative total thyroidectomy patient. A case report

Thyroidectomy is a widely practiced surgical intervention with low mortality and morbidity rates; however, it can result in long-term complications impacting health and social well-being. Early physical rehabilitation programs have been shown to effectively address issues such as swallowing difficulties and motor function impairment in the neck and shoulders, thereby improving the overall quality of life for patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of cranial base release (CBR) in conjunction with swallowing exercises on the post-surgery recovery of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. A 29-year-old male patient presented with swelling on the left side of the neck, along with pain during neck movements, speech difficulties, and swallowing issues. The patient's neck range of motion, swallowing impairment score, and neck pain and disability scale were measured both before and after treatment. The patient underwent a six-week rehabilitation program consisting of CBR, swallowing exercises, and conventional physiotherapy sessions twice daily. The combined approach of CBR and swallowing exercises resulted in significant improvements in neck range of motion, swallowing impairment score, and neck pain and disability scale for patients following total thyroidectomy. This study highlights the beneficial effects of integrating CBR with swallowing exercises in the rehabilitation of post-operative total thyroidectomy patient, offering promising outcomes for their recovery.

Effect of mindfulness training in adjunct to conventional physiotherapy on pain, function, and mindfulness attention awareness score in recreational long distance runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Background The Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) poses a significant challenge in sports medicine due to its multifactorial etiology involving both physiological and psychological factors. Though widely used, conventional physiotherapy approaches often yield limited efficacy and high recurrence rates. Mindfulness-based interventions have emerged as promising adjuncts in managing various musculoskeletal conditions, offering potential benefits in pain management, coping strategies, and overall well-being. However, their efficacy in addressing PFPS remains underexplored, particularly in the context of recreational long-distance runners. This study investigates the effects of integrating mindfulness training as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy on pain intensity, functional outcomes, and mindfulness awareness in recreational long-distance runners with PFPS. Methods Eligible individuals will be assigned randomly to either Group A (Mindfulness Training + Conventional Physiotherapy) or Group B (Conventional Physiotherapy). Outcome measures, such as the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and knee joint position sense using a goniometer will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Mindfulness training will encompass a variety of techniques integrated with conventional physiotherapy sessions. Result This study has the potential to offer an enhanced treatment strategy that considers both the physical and psychological aspects of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), potentially improving outcomes and well-being for recreational long-distance runners. CTRI Registration Number: CTRI/2024/03/064876

Assessment of the 2 Conventional Physiotherapy Sessions Alone versus One Session Associated to Kabat’s Method in the Rehabilitation of Buruli Ulcer Patients (PUB), with Functional Limitations in the District Hospital of Akonolinga, Cameroon

Assessment of the 2 Conventional Physiotherapy Sessions Alone versus One Session Associated to Kabat’s Method in the Rehabilitation of Buruli Ulcer Patients (PUB), with Functional Limitations in the District Hospital of Akonolinga, Cameroon

Upper limbs cycle ergometer increases muscle strength, trunk control and independence of acute stroke subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

Studies demonstrate the benefits of upper limbs cycle ergometer (ULCE) in subacute and chronic stroke subjects, but the literature still needs to explore the acute phase of the disease. Verify the effects of ULCE on muscular strength, trunk control and independence of post-stroke subjects in hospital acute phase. In this randomized clinical trial participants were allocated into two groups. The control group (CG) performed two daily sessions of conventional physiotherapy, while the intervention group (IG) had one daily session of conventional physiotherapy and one of ULCE. The interventions were carried out for 20 minutes for five days. Both groups were assessed before and after the treatment for upper limbs strength by manual dynamometer, trunk control by Trunk Impairment Scale and level of independence by the Modified Rankin Scale. Twenty subjects with mean ages of 63.5±4.5 were enrolled. There was a significant intra-group difference of palmar grip, shoulder abductors, elbow flexor and wrist extensor strength, trunk control and functional independence only in IG. Inter-group difference for all variables showed superiority in IG. ULCE is an effective device for increasing muscle strength, trunk control and consequently improving the independence of post-stroke subjects in the acute hospital phase.

An Overground Robotic Gait Training Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Maintaining the ability to walk is one of the significant challenges in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for keeping a good quality of life as the disease and the aging process progresses. Overground robotic (OR) wearable exoskeletons are promising tools for gait rehabilitation, but currently there is no evidence of their clinical effects on patients with MS. The present study aims to determine the effects of an OR intervention in people with MS and moderate to severe walking disabilities and ascertain if benefits are maintained over a follow-up period of 3 months. This randomized controlled trial will include 36 participants with MS. Inclusion criteria are: older than 18 years, definitive diagnosis of MS, 4.5–7 points on the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale), and needing one or two canes or crutches for walking outdoors. Subjects in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy sessions at ADEMBI (Asociación de Esclerosis Múltiple de Bizkaia) provided to control spasticity, maintain articular range and exercise balance. Subjects in the intervention group will receive the same physiotherapy but also participate in a progressive OR gait training program assisted by the EksoTM exoskeleton. The program consists of twice a week individually supervised sessions in two setting modalities: PreGait and ProStepPlus. The training parameters (duration, speed, cadence, length of steps) will be set during the first session and the progression and intensity of the intervention will be adapted to the tolerance of each participant. The primary outcome of this study is gait speed. Secondary outcomes will include physical and cognitive performance tests, clinical, fatigue and quality of life assessments, and changes in the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines. The present trial is the first analyzing the effectiveness of an OR intervention for gait training in patients with MS. It will help clarify the applicability of robotic technologies to clinical practice, extending the functionality and quality of life of people with MS to face a successful aging process. (ACTRN12619000014156; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376548).

Improving motor performance in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study on the promising use of the computer assisted virtual reality environment (CAREN).

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by various motor symptoms including balance and gait impairment. Several studies have shown that physiotherapy, cueing techniques, treadmill training, and cognitive movement strategies are useful in improving balance and gait in patients with PD. Devices employing virtual reality (VR) have been shown to be promising in neurorehabilitation as they can provide the patients with multisensory stimulation creating a realistic environment and improve the motivation and the adhesion of patients to the rehabilitation program. This preliminary study is aimed at testing the efficacy and feasibility of gait training based on the computer-assisted virtual reality environment (CAREN) in a sample of PD. In this preliminary study, 22 outpatients affected by PD who attended the Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Laboratory of the IRCCS Neurolesi between August 2017 and October 2018 were enrolled. All PD patients underwent 20 conventional physiotherapy sessions followed by 3-month of rest. Then, the patients were provided with 20 sessions of CAREN training. Gait and balance performances were rated before, after each training protocol, and 3 months later. Gait analysis was also performed before and after CAREN training. All patients completed both of the rehabilitation trainings without any adverse event. All considered scales improved significantly at the end of both rehabilitation treatments. However, patients presented with a greater clinical improvement after the CAREN training, compared with conventional physiotherapy. In particular, patients walked faster and with more stability, with wider, longer steps. Even though further neurophysiological details are required to identify the patients who may benefit from CAREN training, our findings suggest that this innovative device is an effective and feasible tool to train balance and gait in patients with PD.

Effects of Isokinetic Strength Exercise of the Hemiparetic Knee Joint on Lower Extremity Sensorimotor and Gait Functions in Patients With Chronic Stroke: Open Kinetic Chain Versus Closed Kinetic Chain

Background: After stroke, in order to improve gait function, it is necessary to increase the muscle strength and to enhance the propriocetive function of the lower extremity. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) isokinetic exercise of the hemiparetic knee using the isokinetic equipment on lower extremity sensorimotor function and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Thirty participants with chronic hemiplegia (> 6 months post-stroke) were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: CKC group and OKC group. Patients from both groups attended conventional physiotherapy sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, subjects from the CKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the CKC attachment, while those from the OKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the OKC attachment. The isokinetic knee and ankle muscles strength, position sense of the knee joint, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured before and after interventions. Results: The knee muscles peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) and hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio significantly increased in both groups (p<.01). In particular, ankle plantarflexors PT/BW, position sense of the knee, gait velocity, and spatial gait symmetry significantly improved in the CKC group (p<.01, p<.05, p<.01, and p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: CKC isokinetic exercise can be an effective therapeutic intervention for the improvement of sensorimotor function of the lower extremity and gait functions, such as gait velocity and symmetry. CKC position in isokinetic strength training is effective to improve functional ability in patients with chronic stroke.

A Randomized and Controlled Crossover Study Investigating the Improvement of Walking and Posture Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients Using HAL Exoskeleton - The HALESTRO Study (HAL-Exoskeleton STROke Study).

Background: The exoskeleton HAL (hybrid assistive limb) has proven to improve walking functions in spinal cord injury and chronic stroke patients when using it for body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). Compared with other robotic devices, it offers the possibility to initiate movements actively. Previous studies on stroke patients did not compare HAL-BWSTT with conventional physiotherapy (CPT). Therefore, we performed a crossover clinical trial comparing CPT and HAL-BWSTT in chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis, the HALESTRO study. Our hypothesis was that HAL-training would have greater effects on walking and posture functions compared to a mixed-approach CPT.Methods: A total of 18 chronic stroke patients participated in this study. Treatment consisted of 30 CPT sessions and of 30 sessions of BWSTT with a double leg type HAL exoskeleton successively in a randomized, crossover study design. Primary outcome parameters were walking time and speed in 10-meter walk test (10MWT), time in timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and distance in 6-min walk test (6MWT). Secondary outcome parameters were the functional ambulatory categories (FAC) and the Berg-Balance Scale (BBS). Data were assessed at baseline, at crossover and at the end of the study, all without using and wearing HAL.Results: Our study demonstrate neither a significant difference in walking parameters nor in functional and balance parameters. When HAL-BWSTT was applied to naïve patients, it led to an improvement in walking parameters and in balance abilities. Pooling all data, we could show a significant effect in 10MWT, 6MWT, FAC and BBS, both therapies sequentially applied over 12 weeks. Thereby, FAC improve from dependent to independent category (3 to 4). One patient dropped out of the study due to intensive fatigue after each training session.Conclusion: HAL-BWSTT and mixed-approach CPT were effective therapies in chronic stroke patients. However, compared with CPT, HAL training with 30 sessions over 6 weeks was not more effective. The combination of both therapies led to an improvement of walking and balance functions. Robotic rehabilitation of walking disorders alone still lacks the proof of superiority in chronic stroke. Robotic treatment therapies and classical CPT rehabilitation concepts should be applied in an individualized therapy program.

EFFECT OF MULTIMODAL PHYSIOTHERAPY ON OUTCOME OF MECHANICALLY VENTILATED PATIENTS AT ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY RESPIRATORY INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN (2014-2015)

Background: In critically ill patients,physiotherapy and inspiratory muscle training are considered important components of pulmonary rehabilitation;as they enhance the weaning process and help patients to return to their optimal functional capacities. The aim of this work was to compare the possible benefits and risks of delivering multimodal physiotherapy (PT) to mechanically ventilated patients to improve patients’ outcome. Patients and Methods: Forty mechanically ventilated patients with acute or acute on top of chronic respiratory failure from ZUH (RICU) were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial. The patients were classified equally into test group and control group, control group patients were subjected to conventional PT, while test group patients were subjected to inspiratory muscle training in addition to conventional PT. Pre and post assessment of SAPSII and Barthel index scores, PImax, RSBI and weaning outcomes were done for both studied groups. Results: Both patients’ groups were matched together as regards age, sex, ABG, diagnosis and comorbidities. The test group had a high significant lower frequency of conventional PT sessions in relation to control group 8 and 12 sessions respectively (P 0.05).There was high significant improvement in PImax post-PT in the test group when compared to control group (-34.3  6.02 cmH2O) versus (-24.6  2.45 cmH2O) respectively (P 0.05).The weaning success was (90% &70%) in test group versus control group, while the duration of MV, duration of weaning and length of ICU stay were significantly reduced in test group (5, 4.5 and 8.8 ± 2.22 days) versus control group (6, 6 and 11.95 ± 3.4.2 days), (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Conventional chest physiotherapy is safe ICU intervention with few complications. Adding inspiratory muscle training (using a threshold pressure device) to the conventional physiotherapy can improve maximum inspiratory pressure,functional capacity and RSBI, with potential reductions in length of ICU stay and the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. Keywords: Physiotherapy, Inspiratory muscle training, Mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit.

Avaliação da flexibilidade de crianças com paralisia cerebral após intervenção fisioterapêutica

Introduo: A fisioterapia favorece a flexibilidade e diminue a espasticidade de crianas com paralisia cerebral (PC). Objetivos: avaliar os benefcios da fisiotera - pia convencional para a flexibilidade a curto e longo prazo de crianas com PC es - pstica . Mtodos: participaram seis pacientes com PC espstica, idade de seis a 14 anos, ambos os gneros. Foram realizadas 16 sesses de fisioterapia convencional com alongamentos passivos. Para avaliao da flexibilidade, aplicou-se o Teste de Sentar e Alcanar utilizando o Banco de Wells antes e aps cada sesso. Para a anlise estatstica foi utilizado o Software Sigma-Stat verso 3.5 com significn - cia estatstica (p0,05). Resultados: houve aumento significativo da flexibilidade da cadeia muscular posterior comparando pr e ps individualmente (p0,05) e da mdia pr e ps sesses (p0,0001). Concluso: fisioterapia convencial por meio de exerccios de alongamentos passivos melhora a flexibilidade da cadeia muscular posterior de crianas com PC espstica a curto ou a longo prazo.

Effectiveness of aquatic versus land physiotherapy in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effects on gait and balance of aquatic physiotherapy versus on-land training, in the context of an inpatient rehabilitation treatment tailored for peripheral neuropathies. Design: Parallel-group, single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial. Subjects and setting: Consecutive patients affected by peripheral neuropathy admitted in our Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit. Interventions: Patients received a four-week rehabilitation program composed by daily sessions of conventional physiotherapy and three sessions/week of specific treatment (aquatic vs. on-land). Main measures: Primary outcome measures were Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index. Secondary outcome measures were Neuropathic Pain Scale, Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Functional Ambulation Classification, Conley Scale and Medical Research Council Scale score for the strength of hip and ankle flexor and extensor muscles. For each scale, we calculated the difference between the scores at discharge and admission and compared it between the two groups. Results: Forty patients were enrolled: 21 in the water-based rehabilitation group and 19 in the land-based one. Patients were similar between groups. When comparing the groups, we found that “in-water” patients had a significant better improvement in the Dynamic Gait Index score (6.00 (4.00, 7.25) vs. 4.00 (1.25, 6.00), P = 0.0433). On the opposite, the “on-land” group showed a better improvement of the Functional Ambulation Classification score (1.0 (0.75, 1.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0, 2.0), P = 0.0386). Conclusion: Aquatic physiotherapy showed an effect comparable to the land-based rehabilitation on gait and balance dysfunctions of neuropathic patients.

Effects of Talocrural Mobilization with Movement on Ankle Strength, Mobility, and Weight-Bearing Ability in Hemiplegic Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In general, adequate movement of the ankle joint is known to play an important role in functional activities. Stroke survivors frequently have limited range of motion of the ankle, leading to dysfunctional weight transfer toward the paretic lower limb during standing or gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of talocrural mobilization with movement (MWM) on ankle strength, dorsiflexion passive range of motion (DF-PROM), and weight-bearing ability on the paretic limb during standing or gait in stroke patients with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Twenty-six participants with chronic hemiplegia (>6 months post stroke) were divided into 2 groups: MWM group (n = 13) and control group (n = 13). Both groups attended conventional physiotherapy sessions 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Additionally, the MWM group underwent talocrural MWM 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Isokinetic ankle strength, DF-PROM, and weight-bearing ability measures included the limit of stability (LOS); gait parameters were evaluated before and after interventions. Plantarflexors peak torque and DF-PROM significantly increased in the MWM group. In addition, forward and forward-paretic direction LOS significantly increased in the MWM group. Paretic direction LOS, single-limb support phase of the paretic limb significantly increased and double limb support phase significantly decreased within the MWM group. This study demonstrates that talocrural MWM has an augmented effect on ankle strength, mobility, and weight-bearing ability in chronic stroke patients with limited ankle motion when added to conventional therapy.

Utilization of Robo-K for improving walking and balance in patients affected by neurological injuries: A preliminary study

Robotic systems allow to initiate and facilitate the implementation of a movement executed by the patient. The objective was to test the interest of an innovative gait robot. Eighteen patients 53.6 (± 11.1) years aged, with a functional ambulation category (FAC) 0 to 5, followed 3 sessions of 45 min/week with the mobile robot with body weight support during 4 weeks while maintaining conventional physiotherapy sessions. This evolutionary robot provides, in stationary mode balance training safely through suspension, and in mobile mode gait training according to various trajectories. FAC, 6 min walk test (6 min), 10 meters walking test (10 m), Berg balance scale, time up and go (TUG) were evaluated. Various exercises could have been proposed regardless of the patients’ walking stage. FAC was increased from 1.0 (± 1.0), 10 m time from 28.0 s (± 23.1), 6 min distance from 80.6 m TUG was improved from 19.6 s (± 10.7) and Berg score from 9.6 points (± 9.0). Balance and gait rehabilitation were facilitated by the reassuring device. An improvement of all the tests was observed. These results are encouraging and a randomized study is necessary to evaluate the benefit of Robo-K in comparison to a control group.

Treinamento muscular respiratório em pacientes em desmame da ventilação mecânica

Introdução: A fraqueza da musculatura respiratória é uma das principais causas da dificuldade e/ou insucesso no desmame. Para minimizar os efeitos da ventilação mecânica (VM) prolongada, os fisioterapeutas utilizam o treinamento muscular respiratório, sendo o Threshold IMT® o método mais utilizado. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do treinamento muscular respiratório com o uso do aparelho Threshold IMT®, sobre parâmetros respiratórios de pacientes em desmame da VM. Métodos: Os pacientes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupo controle e grupo experimental (GI e GII). Foram avaliados no primeiro dia do início do desmame quanto à força muscular respiratória: Pressão inspiratória máxima/Pressão Expiratória Máxima (PImáx/PEmáx), volume corrente (VC), frequência respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC). Diariamente, durante sete dias, o GI recebeu três sessões de fisioterapia convencional e o GII realizou, adicionalmente, treinamento muscular respiratório (TMR) com o Threshold IMT®, uma vez ao dia, no período da tarde, conectado à traqueostomia, sendo três séries de dez repetições com carga de 20% da PImáx. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente, adotando-se o nível de significância α=0,05. Resultados: Observou-se aumento (p=0,02) na FR e redução da PImáx (p=0,04) no GI, demonstrando aumento do trabalho respiratório e perda de força muscular entre o primeiro e sétimo dia de desmame. No GII, as variáveis não sofreram alterações significativas, observando-se a manutenção da função respiratória. Conclusão: Sendo assim, o TMR foi benéfico, garantindo a manutenção dos parâmetros respiratórios, podendo ser um aliado para o desmame.

Effect of Low Frequency Vibratory Stimulation on Biceps Brachii Spasticity in Subjects with Hemiplegia

Objective of the Study: • To evaluate the effect of low frequency vibratory stimulation on biceps brachii spasticity in subjects with hemiplegia through Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). • To evaluate the effect of low frequency vibratory stimulation on biceps brachii spasticity in subjects with hemiplegia through Passive elbow extension Range of Motion (PROM). Materialsandmethod: 30 hemiplegic subjects were divided into two groups, experimental group received Vibration treatment in addition to the daily sessions of conventional physiotherapy which includes weight bearing exercises of upper limb, stretching of biceps brachii muscle and cryotherapy,where as control group received only daily sessions of conventional physiotherapy treatment for a duration of 30-45 minutes, six days per week for a total of 4 weeks. Results: After a 4 week treatment period, the subjects in the experimental group compared with the subjects in the control group had shown a statistically significant improvement with outcome measures at 0.05 level. Conclusion: Vibratory stimulation along with conventional physiotherapy was found much effective in reducing biceps brachii spasticity in the subjects with hemiplegia

Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching for Treatment of Subacute Mechanical Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain is a common problem within our society. Upper trapezius and the levator scapulae are the most common postural muscles that tends to get shorten leading to restricted neck mobility. If these group of muscles are treated it may provide with best results. There is lack of evidence to allow conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of Muscle energy technique (MET) when compared with stretching exercises for relieving mechanical neck pain. It would be interesting to study if these two techniques yield comparable outcomes and if one technique is superior to the next which should be the alternate choice of therapy . Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Muscle energy technique and static stretching on pain and active cervical range of motion (ROM) in subacute mechanical neck pain Subjects and methods: 45 patients with subacute mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to receive Muscle Energy Technique plus conventional physiotherapy (group 1, n = 15), static stretching plus conventional exercise program (group 2, n = 15) and conventional physiotherapy only (group 3, n = 15). Intervention: Group 1 received 6 sessions of Muscle Energy Technique and 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Group 2 received 6 sessions of static stretching and 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Group 3 received 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. All groups were treated for 2 weeks. Outcome measures: Pain intensity on 100mm VAS, active cervical lateral flexion range of motion, active cervical rotation range of motion. Results: Paired t-test was used for within group analysis. ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis was employed for between group comparisons. No significant difference was found in any of the outcome measure between MET and static stretching groups (p > 0.05) while both were found to be significantly better than the conventional exercise group (p < 0.05) between the 3 groups. Statistically significant improvements were found in all the 3 groups for all the outcome measures (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that both the treatment techniques, muscle energy technique and static stretching were effective in alleviating the mechanical neck pain in terms of decreasing pain intensity and increasing active cervical range of motion as there was no significant difference between the two groups, however MET was superior than static stretching in decreasing pain intensity and increasing active cervical range of motion.

Effectiveness of the Physical Therapy Godelive Denys-Struyf Method for Nonspecific Low Back Pain

A simple blind, random controlled clinical trial. To assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment based on the muscular and articular chains Godelive Denys-Struyf (GDS) method for nonspecific low back pain (LBP) in primary care. Despite a systematic review by the European COST ACTION B13 "Low back pain: guidelines for its management," there are still many unresolved questions regarding the effectiveness of the different physical therapy treatments used for LBP. 21 physicians and physiotherapists in 7 Primary Care Centers and 6 researches in the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). 137 patients diagnosed with nonspecific LBP. The control group underwent 15 sessions of conventional physiotherapy in Primary Care Centers, and the experimental group received 15 GDS treatment sessions. Pain was evaluated by Visual Analogical Scale (VAS), functional disability by Oswestry questionnaire, and quality of life by the physical and mental components of SF-36 questionnaire. Outcome measures were assessed before treatment (A1), at the end of treatment (A2), and at 3 months (A3), and 6 months (A4) of follow-up. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that at the end of treatment and 3 months later, subjects in both groups showed less pain, reduced functional disability, and an improved quality of life, though improvements were greater in the GDS group.Six months after treatment, patients in the GDS group continued to show reduced pain (VAS(A4-A1) = -3.54, 95% CI: -4.18 to -2.90) while VAS scores in the control group returned to initial values (VAS(A4-A1) = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.36 to 0.67). Treatment of nonspecific LBP using the GDS method provides greater improvements in the midterm (6 months) in terms of the pain, functional ability, and quality of life perceived by patients than the conventional treatment based administered in primary care.