Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials

Kemmler W, Weißenfels A, Bebenek M, Froehlich M, Kleinoeder H, Kohl M, von Stengel S (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Book Volume: 2017

DOI: 10.1155/2017/8480429

Abstract

In order to evaluate the favorable effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on low back pain (LBP), an aspect which is frequently claimed by commercial providers, we performed a meta-analysis of individual patient data. The analysis is based on five of our recently conducted randomized controlled WB-EMS trials with adults 60 years+, all of which applied similar WB-EMS protocols (1.5 sessions/week, bipolar current, 16-25 min/session, 85 Hz, 350 μs, and 4-6 s impulse/4 s impulse-break) and used the same pain questionnaire. From these underlying trials, we included only subjects with frequent-chronic LBP in the present meta-analysis. Study endpoints were pain intensity and frequency at the lumbar spine. In summary, 23 participants of the underlying WB-EMS and 22 subjects of the control groups (CG) were pooled in a joint WB-EMS and CG. At baseline, no group differences with respect to LBP intensity and frequency were observed. Pain intensity improved significantly in the WB-EMS (p< .001) and was maintained (p= .997) in the CG. LBP frequency decreased significantly in the WB-EMS (p< .001) and improved nonsignificantly in the CG (p= .057). Group differences for both LBP parameters were significant (p≤ .035). We concluded that WB-EMS appears to be an effective training tool for reducing LBP; however, RCTs should further address this issue with more specified study protocols.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Kaiserslautern Germany (DE) Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln Germany (DE) Hochschule Furtwangen Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Kemmler, W., Weißenfels, A., Bebenek, M., Froehlich, M., Kleinoeder, H., Kohl, M., & von Stengel, S. (2017). Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8480429

MLA:

Kemmler, Wolfgang, et al. "Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine 2017 (2017).

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