Comparison of the effects of craniosacral therapy, muscle energy technique, and sensorimotor training on non-specific chronic low back pain

  • Cobra Ghasemi PhD (Physiotherapy), Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Ali Amiri Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Javad Sarrafzadeh Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Mehdi Dadgoo Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Nader Maroufi Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i5.1362
Keywords: Low Back Pain, Craniosacral Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique, Sensorimotor Training

Abstract

Background and objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy (CST), muscle energy technique (MET), and sensorimotor training (SMT) on pain, disability, depression, and quality of life of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP).

Methodology: In this randomized clinical trial study 45 patients with NCLBP were randomly divided in three groups including CST, SMT, and MET. All groups received 10 sessions CST, SMT, and MET training in 5 weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry functional disability questionnaire (ODQ), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate the pain, disability, depression, and quality of life, respectively, in three times, before treatment, after the last session of treatment, and after 2 months follow up.

 Results: The Results showed that VAS, ODI, BDI, and SF-36 changes were significant in the groups SMT, CST and MET (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The VAS, ODI, BDI, and SF-36 changes in post-treatment and follow-up times in the CST group were significantly different in comparison to SMT group, and the changes in VAS, ODI, BDI, and SF-36 at after treatment and follow-up times in the MET group compared with the CST group had a significant difference (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Craniosacral therapy, muscle energy technique, and sensorimotor training were all effective in improvement of pain, depression, functional disability, and quality of life of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Craniosacral therapy is more effective than muscle energy technique, and sensorimotor training in post-treatment and follow up. The effect of craniosacral therapy was continuous after two months follow up.

Keywords: Low Back Pain; Craniosacral Therapy; Muscle Energy Technique; Sensorimotor Training

Abbreviations: CST - Craniosacral therapy; MET - Muscle energy technique; SMT - Sensorimotor training; NCLBP - Non-specific chronic low back pain; ODQ - Oswestry functional disability questionnaire; 36-SF - 36-item short form health survey; BDI - Beck depression inventory; ROM - Range of motion

Citation: Ghasemi C, Amiri A, Sarrafzadeh J, Dadgoo M, Maroufi N. Comparison of the effects of craniosacral therapy, muscle energy technique, and sensorimotor training on non-specific chronic low back pain

Received: 21 July 2020, Reviewed: 14 August 2020, Revised: 15 August 2020, Accepted: 15 August 2020

Published
06-10-2020
How to Cite
Ghasemi, C., Amiri, A., Sarrafzadeh, J., Dadgoo, M., & Maroufi, N. (2020). Comparison of the effects of craniosacral therapy, muscle energy technique, and sensorimotor training on non-specific chronic low back pain. Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 24(5), 532-543. https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i5.1362
Issue
Vol 24 No 5 (2020): October 2020
Section
ORIGINAL RESEARCH