Are Deep-Heating Modalities Effective for Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain? A Four-Arm Quasi-Experimental Study
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s43465-026-01897-w
- Dergi Adı: Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Exercise, Low back pain, Microwave diathermy, Short wave diathermy, Therapeutic ultrasound
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: To determine whether adding deep-heat modalities (shortwave diathermy (SWD), microwave diathermy (MWD) or therapeutic ultrasound (US)) to a standardised exercise programme provides additional benefits for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Methods: This four-arm quasi-experimental study involved adults with CNSLBP receiving SWD + exercise, MWD + exercise, US + exercise or exercise only. The modalities were delivered over 15 sessions across 3 weeks, and all participants were instructed to perform a standardised home exercise programme. The following outcomes were measured before and after treatment: pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS 0–10); disability (Modified Oswestry Disability Index, MODI 0–100); kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TSK); and health-related quality of life, as assessed by the Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS) and Mental Component Score (SF-12 MCS). Results: Eighty-five participants were analysed (SWD = 20, MWD = 20, US = 22, exercise = 23). All groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in pain, disability, and kinesiophobia. ANCOVA models adjusted for baseline scores, age, body mass index, and pain duration showed no significant between-group differences in pain, disability, kinesiophobia, or SF-12 MCS outcomes (all p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed only for SF-12 PCS, with the MWD + exercise group demonstrating lower physical quality-of-life scores than the exercise-only group after adjustment (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Adding SWD, MWD, or US to exercise did not improve outcomes beyond those achieved with exercise alone. These findings support structured exercise-based rehabilitation as the primary conservative treatment approach for patients with CNSLBP.