Introduction. At the neurophysiological level, it is possible to observe an increase in the central processing of pain in patients diagnosed with persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome (PSPS-T1/2), potentially stemming from dysfunctions in the endogenous facilitation and inhibition of pain. Administration of high doses of spinal cord stimulation to individuals with PSPS-T1/2 may induce supraspinal descending activation. Similarly, exercise is recognized as a fundamental aspect of spinal pain management. Studies have demonstrated its impact on neurophysiological factors, including the release of spinal and supraspinal beta-endorphins, which activate μ-opioid receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of SCS in combination with lumbo-pelvic stability core training on perceived low back pain, quality of life and disability in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) patients. Methods/Materials. A double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) has been designed. All participants will be randomized from a pre-set sequence. The intervention design has been elaborated from the CONSORT guidelines. This study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee in research of Salamanca Health Area (protocol number PI 2023 101435 in (24/01/2024) in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Helsinki declaration. Sample size was calculated using G Power® Sample size software (University of Düsseldorf). The calculation was based on a moderate effect size of 0.4 (partial η2 = 0.40, α = .05, power = 0.90), resulting in a total of 28 patients. Assuming a 30% dropout rate, 36 participants will be recruited in total. Two sessions per week will be scheduled for 8 weeks with a total of 16 sessions. Each work session will have a duration of 60 minutes. The exercise will be adapted according to the phases based on the results already published, limiting in each phase the degrees of flexion and extension of the spine in order to avoid the risk of electrode migration. Primary outcomes will be functionality, satisfaction, strength, psychosocial variables, quality of life and pain perception.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
36
The exercise The exercise will be adapted according to the phases based on the results already published, limiting in each phase the degrees of flexion and extension of the spine in order to avoid the risk of electrode migration.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involves an implantable pulse generator with the potential for enhanced therapeutic success through stimulation algorithms and parameters (28). Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) targeting distal areas, such as the dorsal root ganglion, may offer greater anatomical specificity in therapy
Juan Vicente-Mampel
Torrent, Valencia, Spain
RECRUITINGDisability (Oswestry Disability Index)
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is the most used and validated assessment test for lumbar pain. Is a self-assessment test divided in ten sections designed to assess the limitations in daily life
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Perception Pain (Visual analogue scale)
This scale is an efficient tool to quantify in a subjective and selective way this range in which 0 is considered a total absence of pain and 10 the worst pain imaginable
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Quality of life (Short Form 36 Health Survey, SF36)
The measures the quality of life and comprises several dimensions: (a) physical functioning, (b) role physical, (c) role emotional, (d) social functioning, (e) bodily pain and (f) vitality. Scores for each component summary are calculated based on responses to the twelve items, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Patient's satisfaction
There are already published studies about diagnosed patients that evaluate their satisfaction using a numeric scale of 11 (-5 to 5) (37,38). High scores show the patient's satisfaction with the treatment.
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Strength (Sorensen Test)
Sorensen test it measures the amount of strength and resistance of the back extensors
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Fear of Movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK)
The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was used to measure fear of movement or reinjury. Scores on the TSK are calculated by summing responses to individual items, with higher scores indicating greater levels of kinesiophobia. The scale has been validated and widely used in research and clinical settings to assess and monitor fear of movement in individuals with chronic pain conditions, musculoskeletal injuries, and other conditions where fear of movement may impact rehabilitation or daily functioning.
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Individual's belief in their own ability to successfully execute tasks (Self-efficacy Scale)
The Self-Efficacy Scale is a tool used to measure an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully execute tasks and achieve goals in specific situations. The scale typically consists of items that assess an individual's perceived self-efficacy in various domains or activities, such as academic performance, athletic ability, social interactions, or coping with challenges. Respondents rate their confidence levels on a Likert scale, indicating the extent to which they believe they can successfully perform tasks or overcome obstacles. Scores on the Self-Efficacy Scale are calculated by summing responses to individual items, with higher scores indicating greater perceived self-efficacy in the specified domains.
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
Catastrophic thinking (Pain Catastrophizing Scale)
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), a self-administered questionnaire (13 items on a Likert-type scale from 0 to 4) was used in this study to assess the level of catastrophizing in the presence of pain
Time frame: at baseline, Post3weeks, Post2months, Post6months
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