A lumbar body support (KBS 2000) alters lumbar muscle recruitment patterns in patients with acute-upon-chronic lower back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of a locally designed lumbar body support (LBS) on integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity of the lumbar erector spinae muscles, on heart rate and on ratings of discomfort in patients with low back pain.


METHODS
Non-randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Patients referred from general practitioners and back pain rehabilitation programmes in Cape Town.


METHODS
Ten patients with low back pain of diverse causes. Values were compared with those in 10 control subjects without low back pain.


METHODS
Patients and controls lay supine on (in random order) either a flat conventional mattress or a LBS placed on top of the flat mattress, for a 30-minute period (acute exposure), and every night for 2 weeks (chronic exposure).


METHODS
IEMG activity of the lumbar erector spinae muscles, heart rate, and perception of comfort.


RESULTS
IEMG activity of the lumbar erector spinae muscles did not differ between controls and patients when lying on the LBS on top of the CM after either acute or chronic exposure. However, it was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in patients than in controls when lying on the flat mattress. Subjective ratings of discomfort and heart rates mirrored these changes and were higher in patients only when lying on the flat mattress (P < 0.05). Patients with low back pain also reported that sleeping overnight on the LBS on top of their own mattress significantly reduced discomfort ratings.


CONCLUSIONS
When lying on a mattress with a flat surface, patients with chronic low back pain have higher IEMG activity of the erector spinae muscles, higher heart rates and higher subjective ratings of discomfort than do control subjects. These differences disappear when both groups use a specially designed lumbar body support placed on top of the flat surface. These preliminary studies suggest that a lumbar body support should be evaluated in the chronic management of low back pain.
Derman
K L
KL
Department of Physiology, University of Cape Town.
Derman
E W
EW
Noakes
T D
TD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016683:Supine Position