Interferential Current Electrotherapy

Abstract: Chronic low back pain is one of the four most common diseases in the world with great socioeconomic impact. Supervised exercise therapy is one of the treatments suggested for this condition; however, the recommendation on the best type of exercise is still unclear. The Pilates method of exercise is effective in reducing pain and disability in these patients, as well as the analgesia promoted by interferential current. Currently, the literature lacks information on the efficacy of the association of these two techniques in the short- and medium-term than performing one of the techniques isolated. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy of adding interferential current to the Pilates method exercises for the treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain in the short- and medium-term. This study will be a randomized controlled trial with two arms and blinded evaluator, conducted at an outpatient Physical Therapy Department in Brazil. Patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain and pain equal to or greater than 3 in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale (0/10) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group with active interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the active interferential current associated to the modified Pilates exercises, and Group with sham interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the sham interferential current associated with the modified Pilates exercises during 18 sessions. The outcomes pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, general and specific disability, global perceived effect and kinesiophobia will be evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline, six weeks and six months after randomization. Because of the study design, blinding of the participants and the therapists involved in the study will not be possible. The results of this study could contribute to the process of clinical decision- making for the improvement of pain and disability in participants with nonspecific chronic low back pain. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01919268

Abstract: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is defined as mechanical musculoskeletal pain in the lower back that has no known cause and lasts for more than 12 weeks. It is one of the four most common health problems in the world with huge socio-economic consequences. Various interventions are used for its physiotherapy treatment, such as electrotherapy methods that seem to have a positive effect on reducing pain and improving the functioning of these patients. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of interferential current (IFC) in the treatment of patients with CLBP. The following databases were searched in English: MED line, Science Direct and Scopus; with the following keywords: Efficacy, chronic low back pain, interferential current electrotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation. The review included 11 studies of which 10 were randomized control trials and one pilot study. Electrotherapy protocols were applied that included both the individual application of IFC protocols and combinations with other therapies. Discussion – results: The results of these clinical trials reinforce data on the positive effect of IFC on pain and quality of life in patients with CLBP. Their immediate analgesic effect has been shown to be effective both when applied as a single treatment and when combined with other natural means such as TENS or other physiotherapy interventions such as massage, stretching, Pilates and manual therapy techniques.

Abstract: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is defined as mechanical musculoskeletal pain in the lower back that has no known cause and lasts for more than 12 weeks. It is one of the four most common health problems in the world with huge socio-economic consequences. Various interventions are used for its physiotherapy treatment, such as electrotherapy methods that seem to have a positive effect on reducing pain and improving the functioning of these patients. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of interferential current (IFC) in the treatment of patients with CLBP. The following databases were searched in English: MED line, Science Direct and Scopus; with the following keywords: Efficacy, chroniclowbackpain, interferentialcurrentelectrotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation. The review included 11 studies of which 10 were randomized control trials and one pilot study. Electrotherapy protocols were applied that included both the individual application of IFC protocols and combinations with other therapies. Discussion – results: The results of these clinical trials reinforce data on the positive effect of IFC on pain and quality of life in patients with CLBP. Their immediate analgesic effect has been shown to be effective both when applied as a single treatment and when combined with other natural means such as TENS or other physiotherapy interventions such as massage, stretching, Pilates and manual therapy techniques.