The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with Pilates based exercise on chronic low back pain. This is a randomized clinical trial composed of two arms.
Chronic low back pain may be associated with pathoanatomical, neurophysiological, physical, psychological and social factors. Treatments that relieve the symptoms of these patients are of great importance to improve the quality of life of these individuals. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with Pilates based exercise on chronic low back pain. This is a randomized clinical trial that will be composed of men and women between 18 and 65 years of age, with a history of low back pain for more than 12 weeks and a minimum pain intensity equal to 3 cm on the numerical pain scale. The volunteers will be randomized into two distinct groups: stimulation + exercise group (EG - will perform a Pilates based exercise protocol combined with transcranial direct current stimulation) and sham stimulation + exercise group (SG - will perform the same exercise program combined with sham stimulation). The interventions, regardless of the group, will be carried out three times a week for four weeks. Participants will be submitted to three assessments: the first (T0) will be performed before the treatment protocols; the second (T1) will be performed after the four weeks of intervention; and the third (T2) will be a follow-up one month after the end of the treatment protocol. Pain sensation, functional performance, central sensitization, quality of life, pressure pain threshold, global impression of change, adverse events and medication use will be evaluated. For the statistical analysis, a mixed model ANOVA will be performed for the inter and intragroup comparison, with Tukey's post hoc, considering a significance level of 5%.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
42
Exercise protocol + application of active direct current stimulation for 30 minutes.
Exercise protocol + application of simulation of direct current stimulation for 30 minutes. The stimulator will be turned off after 30 seconds and the volunteers will not receive current for the rest of the session.
Pain intensity
Pain intensity measured by numerical pain rating scale (11 points scale)
Time frame: Change from baseline in pain intensity at four weeks after intervention and 1 month of follow-up
Functional performance associated to back pain
Functional performance associated with low back pain measured by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (24 itens)
Time frame: Change from baseline in functional performance at four weeks after intervention and 1 month of follow-up
Pressure pain threshold
Pressure pain threshold measured by pressure algometer.
Time frame: Change from baseline in pressure pain threshold at four weeks after intervention and 1 month of follow-up
Individual quality of life
Measurement of quality of life using SF-36 questionnaire (36 items, divided into 8 subscales)
Time frame: Change from baseline in quality of life questionnaires at four weeks after intervention and 1 month of follow-up
Patient global impression of change
Patient global impression of change measured by a scale with seven points, where 1 is equal to no change or worse and 7 is much better.
Time frame: Change from baseline in Patient global impression of change at each intervention day and at four weeks of intervention and 1 month of follow-up.
Central Sensitization
Evaluation of Central Sensitization using Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).The questionnaire is divided into two parts, the first with a score from 0 to 100 measures 25 somatic and emotional symptoms, while the second part relates to specific previous diagnoses.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Change from baseline of central sensitization at four weeks after intervention and 1 month of follow-up.
Adverse events
Patient perception of any adverse event during the intervention protocol.
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks of intervention and 1 month of follow-up.
Use of medications
Patient declaration of medication use.
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks of intervention and 1 month of follow-up.