Effectiveness of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises and added this exercises continuous ultrasound, pulsed ultrasound and placebo ultrasound therapy in patients with chronic lowback pain

The purpose of this study is to search the effects of pulsed / continuous ultrasound application added to lumbar dynamic stabilization exercises in chronic lowback pain, to the pain, functionel status and the quality of life.Seventy patients with chronic lowback pain at least 6 weeks taken to the this study. Sixty patients completed the study. All patients were given lumbar dynamic stabilization exercises and performed under supervision in hospital for treatment for the time they arrive. Patient were randomly assigned to three groups. First group was control group with plasebo ultrasound (n=19). The patients in second group were given pulsed ultrasound 1:5, 1.5 W/cm2 (n=21) and continuous ultrasound 1.5 W/cm2 to third group (n=20) . Before treatment, after 15 sessions ultrasound application and at the end of third month patients were evaluated. We used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest and during activity of daily living for pain, Modified Oswestry Quastionnare for disability, Short Form ? 36 for quality of life.There were no difference in pain severety in treatment groups. Pulsed ultrasound group compared with the placebo group had a significant increase in functional capacity at the end of 15 sessions of treatment. Evaluation of the quality of life continuous ultrasound group compared with the plasebo group had a significant increase in physical companent score at the end of 15 sessions of treatment. Pulsed ultrasound group compared with the plasebo ultrasound group had a significant increase in mental component score at 3. month follow up.In conclusion, pulsed or continuous ultrasound application added to lumbar dynamic stabilization exercises compared with the plasebo group was found to be more effective in chronic lowback pain.Keywords: Low back pain, pulsed ultrasound, continuous ultrasound, exercise