Whole-body EMS versus medical training therapy for chronic back pain. A randomized controlled equivalence-study Ganzkörper-EMS versus Medizinische Trainingstherapie bei chronischen RückenschmerzenEine randomisierte kontrollierte Äaquivalenz-Studie

Tudyka H, Kohl M, von Stengel S, Kemmler W (2025)

Publication Language: German

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin Georg Thieme Verlag

DOI: 10.1055/a-2633-6123

Abstract

Objectives Muscular imbalance and weak back muscles are considered to be key triggers for non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a safe, joint-friendly and time-effective training technology with considerable evidence of positive effects on NCLBP. The primary hypothesis of the study was that WB-EMS and the recognized Medical Training Therapy (MTT) show equivalent effects on the severity of NCLBP in an ambulatory clinical setting. Material and Methods A total of 26 participants with NCLBP, 40-70 years old were randomly assigned to a WB-EMS (n = 13) or a MTT (n = 13) group. In the WB-EMS group, low-frequency EMS training was performed 1x 20 min/week, the MTT group performed back-specific strength/stabilization training on devices 1x 45 min/week, both for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity of NCLBP as determined by a 7-day diary. Secondary study endpoints were changes in the Roland MorrisDisability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and isometric maximum strength of the back extensors. Results No participant was lost to follow-up or reported adverse events. WB-EMS and MTT showed "equivalent"positive changes in NCLBP. In detail, both groups revealed significant improvements in pain intensity (WB-EMS: ? 1.02 ± 0.49 vs MTT: ? 0.93 ± 0.43 pts.), disability (? 2.46 ± 0.78 vs. ? 2.85 ± 1.02 items) and back extensor strength (7.2 ± 3.3 vs. 9.0 ± 3.5 kg), each without relevant between-group differences. Conclusion In summary, WB-EMS can be considered an effective and safe option to established MTT for the treatment of NCLBP an ambulatory setting.

Authors with CRIS profile

Simon von Stengel Institute of Radiology Wolfgang Kemmler Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik

Involved external institutions

Hochschule Furtwangen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Tudyka, H., Kohl, M., von Stengel, S., & Kemmler, W. (2025). Whole-body EMS versus medical training therapy for chronic back pain. A randomized controlled equivalence-study Ganzkörper-EMS versus Medizinische Trainingstherapie bei chronischen RückenschmerzenEine randomisierte kontrollierte Äaquivalenz-Studie. Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2633-6123

MLA:

Tudyka, Henriette, et al. "Whole-body EMS versus medical training therapy for chronic back pain. A randomized controlled equivalence-study Ganzkörper-EMS versus Medizinische Trainingstherapie bei chronischen RückenschmerzenEine randomisierte kontrollierte Äaquivalenz-Studie." Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin (2025).

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