Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Balance in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain, HEND M. EL-SHARKAWY, HUSSIEN A. SHAKER, IBTESAM M. FAHMY and AL-SHAIMAA S. KHALIL
Abstract
Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and one of the main causes of work absence nowadays. It is commonly believed that main problems of (CLBP) not only pain but also impaired postural stability.
Aim of the Study: Investigate of therapeutic efficacy of transcranial magnetic therapy on pain relief and balance in patients with chronic low back pain.
Material and Methods: Thirty volunteer patients with (CLBP) of both sexes (7 females and 21 males) age ranged between 20-45 years were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups; study (active) group and control (placebo) group. Balance parameters (overall stability index) were evaluated using Biodex Balance System. Also pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale in both groups was done before and after 10 successive sessions over five weeks.
Results: The findings of this study indicated significant decrease in stability index with eye open, with eye closed, finger to floor test measurements, VAS and Oswestry scale measurements after treatment in comparison to before treatment values with (p<0.001) in both Groups A and B. Post-treatment comparison of both groups showed statistically significant difference with bitter improvement in Group A and p-value= 0.002 for balance with eye open, p-value=0.004 for balance with eye closed, p-value=0.001 for finger to floor test, VAS and Oswestry Scale Score.
Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that repetitive active transcranial magnetic stimulation is beneficial in improving balance control and pain in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) patients.