Technology-supported rehabilitation for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Preliminary results of a pilot study

Abstract

Study Design: Pilot study. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of an 18 week lasting technology-supported rehabilitation programme in which postural biofeedback was used in patients with CNSLBP. Methods: Four patients participated in a standard therapy consisting of cardio training, learning neutral position of the back, pelvic movements, strengthening and functional exercises and a technology-supported rehabilitation programme consisting of playing games controlled by pelvic movements in different directions. In addition functional exercises and posture corrections were performed with feedback support. Results: Patient one's pain intensity, mental component of the Short Form-36 (SF-36), motivation, credibility and expectancy stayed almost identical as compared with baseline. The patients' physical component of the SF-36 increased and experienced less disability. Patient two had a minimal clinical important difference (MCID) in pain intensity and disability. The patient improved in the physical component of the SF-36 and slightly increased in motivation. The mental component of the SF-36, credibility and expectancy stayed almost the same. Patient three had no improvements. The patients' pain intensity, physical component of the SF-36, motivation stayed almost the same. The patient had an increase in disability and decrease in the mental component of the SF-36, credibility and expectancy. Patient four's pain intensity and quality of life stayed almost identical. The patient increased in disabil