Keywords
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, CLX Thera band, Low back pain, Balance, Strengthening, Resistance, Disability
This article is included in the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research collection.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, CLX Thera band, Low back pain, Balance, Strengthening, Resistance, Disability
With an incidence as high as 84%, lower back pain is a frequent musculoskeletal issue that mostly impacts adults. Lower back pain (LBP) that lasts for a minimum of 12 weeks is known as chronic lower back pain (CLBP).1 In order to figure out the worldwide impact of low back pain, which is described as” low back pain that limits activities for a minimum of one day”.2 LBP is recognised to have an impact on all affected older and younger individuals, impairing their quality of life and productivity at work.3 As a result, earlier categories of LBP that were generally acute, subacute, or chronic in character are being replaced with an increased understanding of LBP as a chronic, recurrent ailments that may follow one of numerous pathways.4
About 60% of Indians experience notable back pain during some period of their life.5 Nociceptors, which are sensors of pain, are numerous in the peripheral tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, synovium, facet joints, intervertebral disc (IVD), and joint capsules. Deterioration of the aforementioned structures may trigger the nociceptive pathway, swiftly excite nociceptors, and cause a sequence of biochemical events that result in pain.6 It has been reported that chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) may begin with weakened or insufficient motor control in the deep trunk muscles. Postural and balance issues can result from changes in the way the mechanoreceptors interact and ailments with the paraspinal muscles in peripheral proprioceptive system.7
A major biomechanical definition of balance is the lack of ability to maintain the line of gravity, which is a vertical axis from the body’s centre of mass with minimal postural saying.8 To accomplish everyday physical activities of individuals, balance regulating and maintaining at static and dynamic positions is needed.9 CLBP patients exhibit more impaired balance than unaffected individuals.10 The lumbar extensors, which include the superficial erector spinae and the deep and superficial musculature, are the main muscles associated with lumbar stabilisation in specific. Lumbar extensor deconditioning is a typical characteristic of CLBP. Muscular degeneration may affect proprioception and result in strength and endurance loss, which contributes to balance dysfunction.11 In persons with CLBP, trunk balancing exercises reduced disability and improved function and quality of life.12 Exercises that increase trunk stability aid the body in maintaining its balance and equilibrium.13
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) makes use of the proprioceptive system and reflexes of the body to either hinder or promote muscle contraction. PNF approaches enhance a patient’s entire ability to function, including their muscular strength, muscular endurance, joint mobility, joint stability, neuromuscular control, balance, and coordination.14 Physical therapists frequently utilise PNF training when treating patients with persistent LBP because it enhances muscle performance by its movement patterns. PNF training uses spiral and diagonal directions, that are better in enhancing human performance and lessening the signs and symptoms of chronic LBP than traditional single-direction exercise programming.15 The bending and extending of the trunk are made possible by the application of rhythmical stabilisation (RS) and a combination of isotonic (COI) strategies while seated.16
Consecutive loops (CLX) are elastic bands in the form of a loop. The participants’ upper and lower limbs both wear CLX. Since CLX includes a loop-shaped gap inside the band, unlike other elastic bands, it is simple to give a holding point during band exercise not having to knot it individually, and it offers simultaneous resistance to numerous joints.17 Advantages that you don't need to fasten them to anything; you can just wind them around your hands or stabilise them on your own body.18 Utilising resistance bands improves spinal extensor stability and strength, reduces lumbar pain, and promotes good posture.19 Balance is improved as a result of strengthening exercises using a TheraBand, which also strengthens the lower extremities.20 Exercise using an elastic band helps decrease joint discomfort while also enhancing balance, walking ability, flexibility, strength, mobility, and performance.21
In this study, we aim to test the effectiveness of CLX resistance bands adjunct to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and IFT on subjects with chronic LBP in a two-arm parallel superiority randomized clinical trial (RCT), in reducing pain and enhancing balance and reducing disability in end-point results on marginal difference.
1. To assess the subjects’ pain (Visual Analogue Scale), balance (Balance Error Scoring System, Y – Balance test) due to CLBP treated with CLX resistance bands adjunct to PNF and conventional physiotherapy exercises; to evaluate their effect on reducing pain and improving balance.
2. To assess CLBP subjects’ change in disability (Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire) when treated with CLX resistance bands adjunct to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and conventional physiotherapy exercises; assess if it can aid in lowering the disability in activities of daily living in overall population.
3. To assess the effectiveness of treatment with CLX resistance bands adjunct to PNF along with interferential therapy (IFT) and conventional physiotherapy exercises with IFT in reducing pain, balance and disability for the population with CLBP.
This is clinical trial research protocol will take place in the Outpatient Department of Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College and Acharya Vinobha Bhave Hospital Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. After receiving the Ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research. Signed informed participant consent will be obtained, and participants will be selected throughout the region in accordance with the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated to two groups: Group A (CLX adjunct to PNF and IFT) and Group B (Conventional Physiotherapy exercises and IFT) in a 1:1 allocation. For participant allocation, a randomization approach employing a computer-generated will be used. The allocation blinding mechanism used will be sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Cut-off values at the baseline will be utilised to select participants for the open-label study while taking into account inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interventional group will receive CLX resistance band adjunct to PNF with IFT therapy and the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises with IFT therapy, for reduction in pain and improvement of balance and lowering of disability. Subjects will be enrolled and evaluated at several points throughout the study, including visit 1 for subject enrolment and subject evaluation. Baseline and follow-up visits at six weeks and three weeks after treatment will be carried out, where primary as well as secondary variables will be assessed. The study design is depicted in Figure 1.
Both male and female patients, between the ages of 20 and 50, having non-specific CLBP persisting longer than three months, LBP with non-specific nature (mechanical) i.e. without identifiable specific anatomical or neurophysiological causative factors, will be included.
Individuals with nerve root pain signs, patients with lumbar canal stenosis, prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD), scoliosis, past spinal repair, spondylosis and spondylolisthesis will be exluded. Patients with a history of any vertebral fractures, systemic disorders - tuberculosis of spine or rheumatoid arthritis will be excluded as well.
Experimental group
The exercise regimen will be carried out in five different positions: lying down, long sitting, kneeling, kneeling to stand, and standing. PNF pattern will be administered in each position to both the upper and lower limbs, combining the D1 and D2 patterns given in Table 1. The subjects will wear CLX consecutive loops (CLX, TheraBand), around the wrists and ankles, as they perform the PNF pattern exercise in five positions.17 For every position, the patient will exercise in a CLX + PNF pattern for five minutes and then take a 1-minute break. Table 1 shows the PNF pattern for upper limb and lower limb regimen.
Pattern | Shoulder | Hip |
---|---|---|
D1 D1 F D1 E | ||
D2 D2 F D2 E |
Control group
For each session, the patients will undergo three sets of 15 repetitions, with a 30-second break between every set. Following the 15 repeats, there will be a 60-second break. The treatment programme will be separated into three parts, and the individuals’ performance will determine how far along in each step the training should go.22
1) The participant will practise alternate trunk flexor and extensor isometric contractions while providing maximum force. The physiotherapist will conduct the treatment for 10 seconds while the patient is seated.22
2) The participant will focus on performing alternate isometric contractions of the trunk agonistic muscles, including a 5s hold resisted concentric contraction of the trunk flexors while bending forward, a 5s hold resisted eccentric contraction of the trunk flexors while returning to the neutral position of the trunk, and a 5s hold resisted isometric contraction of the trunk muscles while in the neutral position. The trunk’s backward bending will be accomplished using a similar technique.22
3) The subjects will alternatively perform the chop and lift movement patterns in diagonal and spiral directions for ten seconds in order to train their upper extremities. The physiotherapist will provide the most resistance.22
Patients were instructed to lie down in a prone position with their lower backs exposed for this, which involves IFT over that area. An automated vector, two intersecting channels, four electrodes, and a rectangular stimulus 1/1 will also be employed. Carbon-impregnated silicone rubber and flexible electrodes will be put using an electroconductive gel and fastened by a sticky tape in a crossing arrangement at the level of the first and fifth lumbar vertebrae after washing the skin with wiping alcohol to ensure proper electrical connection.23 Treatment variables will include: an alternating current, a sinusoidal impulse, an impulse duration of 100s, a basic frequency of 4000 Hz, an alternating frequency of 50 to 100 Hz, an individual dose (the physiotherapist will raise the intensity over time throughout treatment to preserve the intended senses until a distinct sense for the passing current was felt), and a 20-minute treatment time for each patient.24
Considerations for terminating or changing the assigned treatments in a particular trial were to stop right away if the patient had any nausea or dizziness-related complaints.
Primary outcome
1) Change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): The VAS, which is frequently employed in a variety of adult groups, is a single-dimension scale for measuring the severity of pain. A line, typically 10 cm long and in accordance with two word indicators, one for every extreme, makes up the continuous pain VAS. The most popular anchor points for the pain intensity scale are “no pain” (scoring = 0) as well as “worst possible pain” or “pain as bad as could be” (scoring = 100). The following with pain VAS cut points were suggested: no pain (0 – 4 mm), mild pain (5– 44mm), moderate pain (45–74 mm), and severe pain (75,100 mm). Test–retest reliability has been shown to be good (r = 0.94, P < 0.001) and validity was 0.99.25
2) Change in Balance Error Scoring System: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a widely used clinical balance examination that is standardised. Three 20-second stances (double leg, single leg, tandem) are performed with closed eyes and hands over the hips on a hard and foamy surface. Every 20-second attempt includes a tally of errors. Three postures are evaluated by BESS. It consists of the tandem stance, one-leg stance, and two-leg stance, and it is measured in the same way as on level ground, but on an uneven surface. The exam has a maximum score of 60 points, therefore the better the participant’s capacity to balance, the lesser the total score. The maximum error score for each stance is 10 points, and the scores for all stances are added together to determine the overall result. The inter-tester reliability was excellent 0.81 (CI 0.67–0.89).26
3) Change in Y balance test (YBT): The YBT is a lightweight, affordable instrument used for assessing rehabilitation process’ efficiency, coordination, and balance. In order to extend the second lower extremity as much as possible in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions, each individual must have one leg in the centre of the three-segmented marking on the flooring. Whilst keeping their balance while standing, they will calculate the length from that point in which the toe of their extended foot is. Each foot’s measurement of the distance across the three directions will evolve into a standard score for evaluation. With intraclass correlation values in the range of 0.99 to 1.0, the YBT showed excellent inter-rater reliability.27
Secondary outcome
1. Change in Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire: The questionnaire consists of 10 questions that span a range of activities. Every aspect is given a score ranging from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Before the overall score is converted to a percentile, it is multiplied by two. For rating, a maximum score of 5 may be achieved for each section: Upon marking the first sentence, the component score is equal to 0. If the final sentence is indicated it equals 5.28
Sample size was calculated using the mean difference formula:
Considering primary variable:- Balance Error scoring System (BESS) to find the effect of looped elastic band CLX and PNF (Experimental group).
Mean ± standard deviation (Pre) result on BESS for experimental group = 28.37 ± 6.36.
Mean ± standard (Post) result on BESS for Experimental group = 12.87 ± 3.83.17
Difference in mean = 15.50
Pooled standard deviation = (6.36+3.83)/2 = 5.095
Considering clinically relevant superiority = 30% = (15.50×30)/100 = 4.65
Total samples required = 26 per group.
Considering 20% drop out = 4
Total sample size required = 60 (30 per group)
Reference article: “Effect of CLX training combined with PNF pattern on balance ability”, Journal of Korean Physical therapy Science, Ji-hoon Jung et al. (2019).17
The main aim of this study will be to find out how CLX resistance bands adjunct to PNF and conventional physiotherapy exercises in decreasing pain and improving balance in CLBP patients.
NLBP relates to LBP that is not caused by a known condition, such as nerve root pain or severe spinal pathologies like infection, tumour, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture, or inflammation.29 NLBP affects 80% of people at some point in their lifetime.30 Numerous medical, psychological, social, and economic issues affect patients when persistent LBP is highly prevalent. Compared to individuals with LBP, individuals with chronic pain have a higher pain score on the VAS.31 People with chronic NLBP are significantly more likely to have a balance disorder.9
Clinical practise recommendations state that primary care clinicians should also promote non-pharmacological LBP treatment such as patient education, physical activity, and manual therapies.32 The PNF pattern in conjunction with CLX exercise have been shown to improve the normal adult’s ability to balance and performing the functional mobility of the lower extremity.17 Conventional physiotherapy exercises produce the most force possible while exerting the least amount of shearing and compressive stresses during the functional motions.29 Patient recovery also seems to be dependent on compliance to the exercise programme.33
Forman et al. (2021) in his research article”THERABAND CLX gold reduces knee-width index and range of motion during overhead, barbell squatting barbell squatting”, found that muscle activation at all seven bilateral locations remained constant when overhead squatting with the CLX gold band.34 Kofotolis et al. (2020) (“Effects of Two 4-Week Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Program on Muscle Endurance, Flexibility, and Functional Performance in Women With Chronic Low Back Pain”), reported that applying a four-week RST and COI PNF program improved muscle endurance in people with CLBP by 23.6% to 81%.35
Physical therapists frequently utilise PNF training using spiral and diagonal directions, which are better in relieving LBP.15 When PNF exercises are carried out properly, the patient integrates them into their everyday movements, correcting poor postures and habits that cause chronic muscle strain, soreness, stress, and at eventually injury. Additionally, their muscle spasms and pain will significantly decrease and core strengthening demonstrates the muscle control required to keep the lumbar spine functionally stable. Strengthening the core helps prevent and treat a variety of lumbar spine and musculoskeletal diseases, because it functions as a muscle corset to support the body and spine without as well as with limb movement.36
Finally, this study aims to investigate how a session of CLX resistance band training with PNF and conventional physiotherapy exercises impacts the pain and balance of CLBP patients.
The results will be tabularized and analysed statistically; data from outcome variables will be tested for normal distribution for the mean and standard deviation (SD). Median statistics will be utilized for finding skewed distributions and interquartile ranges (IQR). Frequency and percentages for binary and categorical variables will be tabulated for descriptive statistics. The inferential statistics will be analysed as per the description given below. Free R software will be used for all statistical analyses.
For comparing two groups, inferential statistics will be used for measuring the score (active treatment versus control treatment) of their mean change in primary variable (VAS, BESS, Y- Balance test) between baseline and six weeks. An independent t-test will then be used. The responses of the subjects will be evaluated with regard to of the main variable’s variation from baseline to the timeframe measured throughout the project (visit 1 and at six weeks following the conclusion of the intervention). For research participants, random effects will be generalized for study subjects, and fixed effects will be analysed by considering treatment group and visit number.
95% confidence interval (CI), the effect size over the mean change difference on the major variable from baseline to endline visit at six weeks, will be assessed.
In order to estimate the disparity in effect size among the active and control groups, secondary outcomes (MODQ) will be examined in accordance with the linear mixed model effect. If the data has a normal distribution, a t-test (Unpaired) will be used to determine if a difference is significant among means between two groups. If the data is non-normally distributed, transformation of the data will be done using mathematical methods to achieve normal distribution. Alternative non-parametric tests (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon test) will be utilised if the data across the main variables still exhibit non-normal distribution.
Zenodo: SPIRIT checklist for“Effect of CLX training adjunct to PNF and conventional physiotherapy on pain and balance in patients with chronic lower back pain: A randomised clinical trial protocol”, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7988643. 37
Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC-BY 4.0).
The authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Laxmikant Umate and Mr. Manoj Patil who helped with sample size calculation and data analysis planning.
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Is the rationale for, and objectives of, the study clearly described?
Yes
Is the study design appropriate for the research question?
Yes
Are sufficient details of the methods provided to allow replication by others?
Yes
Are the datasets clearly presented in a useable and accessible format?
Not applicable
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Reviewer Expertise: Musculoskeletal disorders, ankle injury and sports rehabilitation
Is the rationale for, and objectives of, the study clearly described?
Partly
Is the study design appropriate for the research question?
Yes
Are sufficient details of the methods provided to allow replication by others?
Partly
Are the datasets clearly presented in a useable and accessible format?
Not applicable
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Reviewer Expertise: Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy; Sports injuries
Is the rationale for, and objectives of, the study clearly described?
No
Is the study design appropriate for the research question?
Yes
Are sufficient details of the methods provided to allow replication by others?
No
Are the datasets clearly presented in a useable and accessible format?
Not applicable
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Reviewer Expertise: Cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Invited Reviewers | |||
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Version 1 06 Oct 23 |
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