Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in terms of disability, pain scores, and functional status.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Orthopaedic clinic in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.


METHODS
129 patients with chronic low back pain.


METHODS
Acupressure or physical therapy for one month.


METHODS
Self administered Chinese versions of standard outcome measures for low back pain (primary outcome: Roland and Morris disability questionnaire) at baseline, after treatment, and at six month follow-up.


RESULTS
The mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score after treatment was significantly lower in the acupressure group than in the physical therapy group regardless of the difference in absolute score (- 3.8, 95% confidence interval - 5.7 to - 1.9) or mean change from the baseline (- 4.64, - 6.39 to - 2.89). Acupressure conferred an 89% (95% confidence interval 61% to 97%) reduction in significant disability compared with physical therapy. The improvement in disability score in the acupressure group compared with the physical group remained at six month follow-up. Statistically significant differences also occurred between the two groups for all six domains of the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire after treatment and at six month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Acupressure was effective in reducing low back pain in terms of disability, pain scores, and functional status. The benefit was sustained for six months.
Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lisa Li-Chen
LL
Hsieh
Chung-Hung
CH
Kuo
Liang Huei
LH
Lee
Amy Ming-Fang
AM
Yen
Kuo-Liong
KL
Chien
Tony Hsiu-Hsi
TH
Chen
D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome