Low Back PainNCT03772093
The Effectiveness of Short-term Massage Versus Trabert Current Therapy in Patients With Low Back Pain
A study testing Trabert current and Manual massage in people with Low Back Pain, run by Medical University of Bialystok.
Trial summary
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is still a frequent health problem. Recurrance of symptoms leads to high absence at work. It was proved in previous studies that low back manual massage has a significant impact on pain reduction. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Trabert current and Manual massage
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2016to 30 Oct 2018
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- confirmed in X-ray spondyloarthrotic changes in lumbar area of spine
- pain of lumbar area lasting than 1 year
Who cannot join
- cardiac rythm disturbances
- cardiac pacemaker
- heart failure
- pulmonary embolism
- atherosclerosis
- neoplasmatic diseases
Show all 11Show fewer
- skin lesions or purulent changes in the area of procedure
- pregnancy
- advanced osteoporosis
- spine fractures
- fever
About this study
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is still a frequent health problem. Recurrance of symptoms leads to high absence at work. It was proved in previous studies that low back manual massage has a significant impact on pain reduction. Trabert current (TC) is common physical modality used in rehabilitation of patients with LBP. The aim of study was to assess the effectiveness of manual massage in comparison to TC in patients with LBP.
Methods: Sixty patients with LBP were enrolled in to the study. In all patients discopathy and spondyloarthrosis were diagnosed. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: massage (I=30) and TC (II=30) therapy. The procedures were performed for ten days. Pain intensity was assessed by Numerical Rating Scale. Quality of life and the degree of disability were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results: In both groups pain reduction and functional improvement were observed after therapy. However, better results were noticed in group I.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Trabert current, Manual massage
- Keywords
- massage, low back pain, Trabert current, Ultra-Reiz current
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Trabert currentDevice
Also called Ultra-Reiz current
Trabert current is an interrupted direct current of low frequency (143 Hz) applied via medium sized electrodes supported on a thick moist viscose sponge. These electrodes are placed near the spinal column along the thoracolumbar region. The electrodes are separated from each other by a distance of 3-4 cms.The current is passed through electrodes placed on the body. The intensity of the current is gradually increased short of pain. The feeling should be a pronounced but a comfortable 'tingling' sensation ('comfortably strong'). By doing this, the optimum current strength specific to the patient is found. The intensity of the current is slowly increased in the first few minutes as patients get used to the sensation. It is thought that this current provides pain relief, reduces muscle spasm and increases blood flow.
Manual massageOther
Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of whole body areas to bring about generalised improvements in health.Massage is thought to work through a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement. This mechanical action is based on breaking up fibrous tissue and loosen stiff joints.It may help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension and induce a calming effect.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Patients with manual massage therapy | Active comparator | 30 patients were randomly assigned to massage therapy. The procedures were performed for ten days, with weekend break. Manual massage of lumbar area was performed by certified massage therapist with the typical course of the procedure. The technique was consisted of stroking, kneading, grinding, patting and shaking. The procedure lasted twenty minutes. Receives: Other: Manual massage |
| Patients with Trabert current therapy | Active comparator | 30 patients were randomly assigned to Trabert current therapy. The Trabert current was administered by 143 frequency, time of 2 ms impulse, time of break 5 ms. The current was generated by Pulsotronic ST-6D device (ZAMED©). The electric pads were placed on the lumbar area, in the middle part of spine. The anode in the lower part, near to buttocks. The intensity of current was regulated between 15-25 mA. The time of procedure lasted fifteen minutes. Receives: Device: Trabert current |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
pain intensity measured by NRS (numerical rating scale)
Numerical raitng scale (NRS) are psychometric measuring instruments designed to document the characteristics of disease-related symptom severity in individual patients and use this to achieve a rapid (statistically measurable and reproducible) classification of symptom severity and disease control. NRS is10-point scale, where 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain.
Measured: NRS was measured before and after 10 days massage and Trabert current therapy groups
Secondary outcomes (1)
quality of life measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
is an index derived from the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire used by clinicians and researchers to quantify disability for low back pain. The self-completed questionnaire contains ten topics concerning intensity of pain, lifting, ability to care for oneself, ability to walk, ability to sit, sexual function, ability to stand, social life, sleep quality, and ability to travel. Each topic category is followed by 6 statements describing different potential scenarios in the patient's life relating to the topic. The patient then checks the statement which most closely resembles their situation. Each question is scored on a scale of 0-5 with the first statement being zero and indicating the least amount of disability and the last statement is scored 5 indicating most severe disability. The scores for all questions answered are summed, then multiplied by two to obtain the index (range 0 to 100). Zero is equated with no disability and 100 is the maximum disability possible.
Measured: ODI was measured before and after 10 days massage and Trabert current therapy groups
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Dec 2018
- Study start1 Jan 2016
- Primary completion30 Sep 2018
- Study completion30 Oct 2018
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (13)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Low Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Bialystok
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03772093
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- R-I-002/418/2013
- Status last verified
- Nov 2018
- First submitted
- 10 Dec 2018
- Last updated
- 11 Dec 2018
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Rahimi A, Vazini H, Alhani F, Anoosheh M. Relationship Between Low Back Pain With Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Emergency Medical Technicians. Trauma Mon. 2015 May;20(2):e18686. doi: 10.5812/traumamon.18686. Epub 2015 May 25.
PubMed 26290857Hoy D, Bain C, Williams G, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, Woolf A, Vos T, Buchbinder R. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Jun;64(6):2028-37. doi: 10.1002/art.34347. Epub 2012 Jan 9.
PubMed 22231424Rajfur J, Pasternok M, Rajfur K, Walewicz K, Fras B, Bolach B, Dymarek R, Rosinczuk J, Halski T, Taradaj J. Efficacy of Selected Electrical Therapies on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparative Clinical Pilot Study. Med Sci Monit. 2017 Jan 7;23:85-100. doi: 10.12659/msm.899461.
PubMed 28062862Pop T, Austrup H, Preuss R, Niedzialek M, Zaniewska A, Sobolewski M, Dobrowolski T, Zwolinska J. Effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with degenerative disc disease in lumbosacral spine. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2010 Jul-Aug;12(4):289-300. English, Polish.
PubMed 20876922Facci LM, Nowotny JP, Tormem F, Trevisani VF. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial. Sao Paulo Med J. 2011;129(4):206-16. doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802011000400003.
PubMed 21971895Shipton EA. Physical Therapy Approaches in the Treatment of Low Back Pain. Pain Ther. 2018 Dec;7(2):127-137. doi: 10.1007/s40122-018-0105-x. Epub 2018 Sep 18.
PubMed 30229473Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, Skelly A, Hashimoto R, Weimer M, Fu R, Dana T, Kraegel P, Griffin J, Grusing S, Brodt ED. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):493-505. doi: 10.7326/M16-2459. Epub 2017 Feb 14.
PubMed 28192793Wewers ME, Lowe NK. A critical review of visual analogue scales in the measurement of clinical phenomena. Res Nurs Health. 1990 Aug;13(4):227-36. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770130405.
PubMed 2197679Fairbank JC, Pynsent PB. The Oswestry Disability Index. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Nov 15;25(22):2940-52; discussion 2952. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200011150-00017.
PubMed 11074683Roland M, Fairbank J. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Dec 15;25(24):3115-24. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200012150-00006. No abstract available.
PubMed 11124727Sayilir S, Yildizgoren MT. The medium-term effects of diadynamic currents in chronic low back pain; TENS versus diadynamic currents: A randomised, follow-up study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Nov;29:16-19. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.07.002. Epub 2017 Jul 29.
PubMed 29122255Bellido-Fernandez L, Jimenez-Rejano JJ, Chillon-Martinez R, Gomez-Benitez MA, De-La-Casa-Almeida M, Rebollo-Salas M. Corrigendum to "Effectiveness of Massage Therapy and Abdominal Hypopressive Gymnastics in Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study". Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Sep 6;2018:3601984. doi: 10.1155/2018/3601984. eCollection 2018.
PubMed 30271453Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, Irvin E, Imamura M. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Sep 1;2015(9):CD001929. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3.
PubMed 26329399
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Dec 2018. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of Short-term Massage Versus Trabert Current Therapy in Patients With Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03772093
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- R-I-002/418/2013
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- massage, low back pain, Trabert current, Ultra-Reiz current
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of BialystokUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2016 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2018 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Oct 2018 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Dec 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is still a frequent health problem. Recurrance of symptoms leads to high absence at work. It was proved in previous studies that low back manual massage has a significant impact on pain reduction. Trabert current (TC) is common physical modality used in rehabilitation of patients with LBP. The aim of study was to assess the effectiveness of manual massage in comparison to TC in patients with LBP.
Methods: Sixty patients with LBP were enrolled in to the study. In all patients discopathy and spondyloarthrosis were diagnosed. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: massage (I=30) and TC (II=30) therapy. The procedures were performed for ten days. Pain intensity was assessed by Numerical Rating Scale. Quality of life and the degree of disability were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results: In both groups pain reduction and functional improvement were observed after therapy. However, better results were noticed in group I.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Patients with manual massage therapy | Active comparator | Other: Manual massage30 patients were randomly assigned to massage therapy. The procedures were performed for ten days, with weekend break. Manual massage of lumbar area was performed by certified massage therapist with the typical course of the procedure. The technique was consisted of stroking, kneading, grinding, patting and shaking. The procedure lasted twenty minutes. |
| Patients with Trabert current therapy | Active comparator | Device: Trabert current30 patients were randomly assigned to Trabert current therapy. The Trabert current was administered by 143 frequency, time of 2 ms impulse, time of break 5 ms. The current was generated by Pulsotronic ST-6D device (ZAMED©). The electric pads were placed on the lumbar area, in the middle part of spine. The anode in the lower part, near to buttocks. The intensity of current was regulated between 15-25 mA. The time of procedure lasted fifteen minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- confirmed in X-ray spondyloarthrotic changes in lumbar area of spine
- pain of lumbar area lasting than 1 year
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- cardiac rythm disturbances
- cardiac pacemaker
- heart failure
- pulmonary embolism
- atherosclerosis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Trabert currentAlso: Ultra-Reiz currentTrabert current is an interrupted direct current of low frequency (143 Hz) applied via medium sized electrodes supported on a thick moist viscose sponge. These electrodes are placed near the spinal column along the thoracolumbar region. The electrodes are separated from each other by a distance of 3-4 cms.The current is passed through electrodes placed on the body. The intensity of the current is gradually increased short of pain. The feeling should be a pronounced but a comfortable 'tingling' sensation ('comfortably strong'). By doing this, the optimum current strength specific to the patient is found. The intensity of the current is slowly increased in the first few minutes as patients get used to the sensation. It is thought that this current provides pain relief, reduces muscle spasm and increases blood flow. | Device | Patients with Trabert current therapy |
| Manual massageTherapeutic massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of whole body areas to bring about generalised improvements in health.Massage is thought to work through a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement. This mechanical action is based on breaking up fibrous tissue and loosen stiff joints.It may help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension and induce a calming effect. | Other | Patients with manual massage therapy |
Primary outcome
pain intensity measured by NRS (numerical rating scale)
Time frame: NRS was measured before and after 10 days massage and Trabert current therapy groups
Numerical raitng scale (NRS) are psychometric measuring instruments designed to document the characteristics of disease-related symptom severity in individual patients and use this to achieve a rapid (statistically measurable and reproducible) classification of symptom severity and disease control. NRS is10-point scale, where 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain.
1 secondary outcome
quality of life measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: ODI was measured before and after 10 days massage and Trabert current therapy groups
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Dec 2018.
- Background: PubMed 26290857Rahimi A, Vazini H, Alhani F, Anoosheh M. Relationship Between Low Back Pain With Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Emergency Medical Technicians. Trauma Mon. 2015 May;20(2):e18686. doi: 10.5812/traumamon.18686. Epub 2015 May 25.
- Background: PubMed 22231424Hoy D, Bain C, Williams G, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, Woolf A, Vos T, Buchbinder R. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Jun;64(6):2028-37. doi: 10.1002/art.34347. Epub 2012 Jan 9.
- Background: PubMed 28062862Rajfur J, Pasternok M, Rajfur K, Walewicz K, Fras B, Bolach B, Dymarek R, Rosinczuk J, Halski T, Taradaj J. Efficacy of Selected Electrical Therapies on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparative Clinical Pilot Study. Med Sci Monit. 2017 Jan 7;23:85-100. doi: 10.12659/msm.899461.
- Background: PubMed 20876922Pop T, Austrup H, Preuss R, Niedzialek M, Zaniewska A, Sobolewski M, Dobrowolski T, Zwolinska J. Effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with degenerative disc disease in lumbosacral spine. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2010 Jul-Aug;12(4):289-300. English, Polish.
- Background: PubMed 21971895Facci LM, Nowotny JP, Tormem F, Trevisani VF. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial. Sao Paulo Med J. 2011;129(4):206-16. doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802011000400003.
- Background: PubMed 30229473Shipton EA. Physical Therapy Approaches in the Treatment of Low Back Pain. Pain Ther. 2018 Dec;7(2):127-137. doi: 10.1007/s40122-018-0105-x. Epub 2018 Sep 18.
- Background: PubMed 28192793Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, Skelly A, Hashimoto R, Weimer M, Fu R, Dana T, Kraegel P, Griffin J, Grusing S, Brodt ED. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):493-505. doi: 10.7326/M16-2459. Epub 2017 Feb 14.
- Background: PubMed 2197679Wewers ME, Lowe NK. A critical review of visual analogue scales in the measurement of clinical phenomena. Res Nurs Health. 1990 Aug;13(4):227-36. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770130405.
- Background: PubMed 11074683Fairbank JC, Pynsent PB. The Oswestry Disability Index. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Nov 15;25(22):2940-52; discussion 2952. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200011150-00017.
- Background: PubMed 11124727Roland M, Fairbank J. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Dec 15;25(24):3115-24. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200012150-00006. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 29122255Sayilir S, Yildizgoren MT. The medium-term effects of diadynamic currents in chronic low back pain; TENS versus diadynamic currents: A randomised, follow-up study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Nov;29:16-19. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.07.002. Epub 2017 Jul 29.
- Background: PubMed 30271453Bellido-Fernandez L, Jimenez-Rejano JJ, Chillon-Martinez R, Gomez-Benitez MA, De-La-Casa-Almeida M, Rebollo-Salas M. Corrigendum to "Effectiveness of Massage Therapy and Abdominal Hypopressive Gymnastics in Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study". Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Sep 6;2018:3601984. doi: 10.1155/2018/3601984. eCollection 2018.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Trabert current and Manual massage in people with Low Back Pain, run by Medical University of Bialystok.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Dec 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
pain intensity measured by NRS (numerical rating scale) (time frame: NRS was measured before and after 10 days massage and Trabert current therapy groups). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03772093, which also lists 13 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Dec 2018.