A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of exercise and/or alternating air mattress in the control of back pain after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether an alternating air mattress, a specifically designed exercise program, or both were effective in alleviating back pain in patients after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).


METHODS
2 by 2 factorial, randomized control trial.


METHODS
Intermediate cardiac care unit in a Canadian regional cardiac referral center.


METHODS
The sample included 100 subjects, X age 57.4 years, undergoing PTCA.


METHODS
10 cm visual analog and Borg scales, both of which measured subjects' perception of pain.


RESULTS
The combination of exercise and alternating air mattress is most effective in pain reduction (p = 0.012).


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of exercise and alternating air mattress is more effective in alleviating back pain in patients after PTCA than conventional methods or exercise and alternating air mattress alone.
General Division, Hamilton Civic Hospitals, Ontario, Canada.
V
V
Scriver
J
J
Crowe
A
A
Wilkinson
C
C
Meadowcroft
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001513:Beds; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects