Effect of whole body vibration on pain, function and visceoelasticity in patients with non-specific low back pain

The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on pain, function, and viscoelasticity in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. 34 volunteers aged 18 and above, who had non-specific low back pain for at least three months, pain levels between 3 and 8 on the Visual Analog Scale, and no cardiac or neuromuscular disorders, and who had not received physical therapy or rehabilitation in the past three months, were included in the study. The participants were randomized into two groups. Group 1 performed exercises with whole-body vibration, while Group 2 performed the same exercises without vibration for six weeks, twice a week (12 sessions in total). Each session lasted 45 minutes. The participants were evaluated both before treatment and at the end of six weeks. Viscoelastic properties of the lumbar region were assessed using the MyotonPRO Digital Palpation Device, pain was measured with the Numerical Pain Scale, function with the Oswestry Disability Index, quality of life with the SF-12 Short Form, muscle strength with the Lafayette Manual Muscle Test Dynamometer, endurance with the McGill Core Muscle Endurance Tests, static balance with the Single Leg Standing Test, dynamic balance with the Y Balance Test, and proprioception at 60° lumbar flexion with the Passive Kinesthetic Sensory Test. No statistical difference was found between the groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment, improvements were observed in both groups in terms of the biomechanical properties of the lumbar region, pain, function, quality of life, lower extremity muscle strength, endurance, static and dynamic balance, and proprioception (p<0.05). When the groups were compared, significant improvements in lumbar biomechanical properties, pain, function, physical component of quality of life, lower extremity muscle strength, trunk extensor muscle endurance, static and dynamic balance, and proprioception were found in favor of Group 1 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the whole-body vibration exercise program was found to be effective in improving pain, function, lumbar viscoelastic properties, quality of life, muscle strength, endurance, balance, and proprioception in individuals with low back pain, showing superior effects compared to exercise alone. Keywords: Pain, Low Back Pain, Function, Whole Body Vibration, Viscoelastic Properties