Influence Of Adding Interferential Current Stimulation To Conventional Treatment And Abdominal Draw-In Exercises In The Treatment Of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a high-impact disorder. The study aimed to determine the influence of adding interferential current stimulation to conventional treatment and draw-in exercises on abdominal muscle thickness, transverse abdominis endurance, pain, and disability in chronic non-specific low back pain patients.Methods: Sixty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain were diagnosed and referred by an orthopedist recruited in the current study. The patients were divided equally into two groups in a random manner; group (A) was given interferential stimulation, draw-in exercises and conventional treatment (ultrasound, hot pack, knee to chest and strengthening exercises) and group (B) was given draw-in exercises, and conventional treatment. Both groups were assessed by ultrasound imaging, prone test, visual analogue scale, and Oswestry disability index to evaluate transverse abdominis, internal and external oblique thickness, transverse abdominis endurance, pain and disability before and after the intervention.Results: In each group, there was a significant increase in abdominal thickness and transverse abdominis endurance after treatment (p = 0.001). Also, the pain and disability scores of each group significantly declined after treatment (p = 0.001). Comparing the groups revealed a significant difference in all measured outcomes in favor of group A (p=0.001).Conclusions: Adding interferential stimulation to conventional treatment and draw-in exercises would have great value in improving abdominal muscle thickness, transverse abdominis endurance, pain and disability in those suffering from CNSLBP.