• Login
    View Item 
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Osteopathy
    • Osteopathy Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Osteopathy
    • Osteopathy Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    The efficacy of surface electromyographic biofeedback assisted stretching for the treatment of chronic low back pain : a case-series

    Moore, Aimee M.

    Thumbnail
    Share
    View fulltext online
    Aimee Moore 2013.pdf (2.581Mb)
    Date
    2013
    Citation:
    Moore, A. M. (2013). The efficacy of surface electromyographic biofeedback assisted stretching for the treatment of chronic low back pain : a case-series. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Osteopathy). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/2320
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/2320
    Abstract
    Chronic low back pain is a major problem to both the individual and society. The negative impact of Chronic Low back pain (LBP) includes its large direct and indirect treatment costs, and associated disability and suffering. Low back pain is discussed in the literature review, including information of the various models of diagnosis and classification. As it is well recognised that chronic pain is a multidimensional issue, models of mechanical, neurological and iopsychosocial influences are presented. Common motor control impairments are briefly explored. Flexion Relaxation (FR) is a commonly observed muscle pattern of lumbar paraspinal relaxation (electrical silence) near the end range of flexion. Flexion Relaxation is observable to some degree in most asymptomatic individuals. Impaired FR, displayed as continued muscle activation at maximal voluntary flexion (MVF), is commonly identified in those with chronic LBP. The study presented in section two of the thesis, investigated the effects of a surface electromyographic assisted stretching (SEMGAS) programme on impaired FR patterns in individuals with chronic LBP. Nine volunteers with chronic LBP that displayed impaired FR were recruited from the general public, and took part in a biofeedback SEMGAS intervention including an at-home stretching component over five weeks. Outcome measures included FR, Oswestry Disability Index, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Sit and Reach, and were recorded pre and post-intervention as well as at a four to six-week follow-up. The aim was to investigate if improved FR is associated with improved range of motion, pain intensity and disability in individuals with chronic LBP. Of the nine participants included, three improved FR to statistically significant levels. All three also achieved a clinically important change in pain intensity scores. The results suggest SEMGAS may provide benefits to some individuals with chronic LBP and impaired FR, although larger scale investigation of SEMGAS as a unimodal therapy in a larger population is indicated.
    Keywords:
    chronic low back pain, impaired flexion relaxation, surface electromyographic assisted stretching, SEMG-assisted stretching
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    110499 Complementary and Alternative Medicine not elsewhere classified
    Degree:
    Master of Osteopathy
    Supervisors:
    Moran, Robert; Mannion, Jamie
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
    Metadata
    Show detailed record
    This item appears in
    • Osteopathy Dissertations and Theses [195]

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
     

     

    Usage

    Downloads, last 12 months
    116
     
     

    Usage Statistics

    For this itemFor the Research Bank

    Share

    About

    About Research BankResearch at UnitecContact us

    Help for authors  

    How to add researchOpen Access GuideVersions Toolkit

    Register for updates  

    LoginRegister

    Browse Research Bank  

    EverywhereAcademic study areasAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisorThis CollectionAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisor

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142