Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

For many years, low back pain has been the major cause of work absences and the primary rationale for medical rehabilitation. Objective: The study investigated the effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) and retro-walking on pain, disability, spinal mobility, hamstring tightness, balance and kinesiophobia in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients. Study group: A total of 98 participants with CNSLBP were randomly divided into four groups; Group A: Conventional group, Group B: PEMF group, Group C: Retro-walking group, and Group D: PEMF and Retro-walking group. Methods: The interventions were given three times per week for six weeks. The study evaluated pain, disability, hamstring tightness, balance, spinal mobility, and kinesiophobia at baseline and after 6 weeks and follow up at 10 weeks. Results: The between group comparison showed a significant improvement in pain, disability, hamstring tightness, kinesiophobia and balance (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvement in spinal mobility (flexion and extension ROM) was observed (p > 0.05) at 6th week. The maximum improvement was seen in group D followed by group C and group B in comparisons to group A at 6th and 10th week. Conclusions: It can be concluded that PEMF and Retro-walking when given in combination significantly decrease pain, disability, hamstring tightness, kinesiophobia and improves balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Keywords: Chronic pain, electromagnetic fields, kinesiophobia, low back pain, postural balance, India