Effect of capacitive resistive diathermy current and lumbar stabilization exercises on pain and functional status in patients with lumbar disc herniation

The aim of the study was to compare high frequency diathermic current therapy and lumbar stabilization exercise therapy for patients with lumbar disc herniation. After questioning the demographic information of all participants, their functional status was assessed with the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, pain levels with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and range of motion with a goniometer by the same physiotherapist before and after the treatment. To investigate the effects of capacitive and resistive diathermic current therapy on pain, functional status and range of motion, 30 patients with low back pain for more than 6 months but without neurologic deficit were evaluated. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 patients each. The experimental group received lumbar stabilization exercises and high frequency diathermic current, while the control group received lumbar stabilization exercises. All participants were evaluated before and at the end of the treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the pain parameter evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in all sub-parameters of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale except walking and in the difference values of the total scores (p>0.05). According to the results of range of motion measurements, only the difference in the trunk flexion joint motion measurement was statistically significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group after treatment (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the difference values of trunk extension, trunk right and left lateral flexion range of motion measurements (p>0.05). In conclusion; When capacitive and resistive diathermic current is included in the treatment of patients with LDH, it is an easily applicable and effective treatment method that contributes to the rehabilitation process. Keywords: Lumbar Disc Herniation, Capacitive Resistive Diathermy Current, Lumbar Stabilization Exercises.