Effect of Low Level Laser Versus Interferential Current on Postmenopausal Low Back Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Low level laser therapy: The participants will receive Low Level Laser on lumbo-pelvic region for 20 min/sessions,3 sessions / week for 12 weeks, with the following parameters: Wavelength: 808 nm, continuous mode, Output power: 160 mw, Penetration depth: 4 cm, Power density:0.16 J/cm2.

Interferential current: All participants will receive interferential current on lumbopelvic region ( quadripolar technique) for 25 min/session, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks, with the following parameters: carrier frequency of 4 KHZ and sweep frequency 95 HZ, intensity based on patient's tolerance without muscle contraction.

Core stability exercise: The participants will perform core stability exercises for 15 min 3 time/week in the form of Prone Gluteal Squeezes, Pelvic Bridging, Curl Up Exercise, and Double Knee to Chest Stretching Exercises.

Study summary

This study will be conducted to compare the effect of low-level laser and interferential current on postmenopausal low back pain.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Pain severity — 12 weeks
  The intensity of postmenopausal low back pain will be assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for all participants in the three groups before and after treatment, which is a method of representing subjects' pain on a 10 cm linear scale. A score of 0 means " no pain" and 10 means " very high degree of pain
• Lumbar flexion range of motion — 12 weeks
  The modified Schober test will be used to measure the lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) by using the tape measurement. Each participant will be asked to stand erect with her feet about shoulder-width apart to stabilize the pelvis. Then, the posterior superior iliac spines(PSIS) will be determined by the therapist's both thumbs, and then an ink line will be drawn along the midline of the lumbar spines horizontal to the PSIS to mark the midpoint between the two PSIS. Then tape will be used to identify and mark two points: one is 10 cm superior to the midpoint (A), and another is 5 cm inferior to the midpoint (B). The participant will be instructed to bend forward as much as she can while keeping both knees straight, the new distance between superior and inferior skin marking will be measured in centimeters. The increased distance along the tape due to lumbar flexion is normally about 6-7 cm (less than 5 cm should be considered abnormal).
• Lumbar extension range of motion — 12 weeks
  The modified Schober test will be used to measure the lumbar extension range of motion (ROM) by using the tape measurement while the patient is in a standing position. The participant will be instructed to put her hands on her buttocks and bend backward into full lumbar extension and the new distance between the superior and inferior skin markings will be measured in centimeters by the tape measurement. The change in the difference between the marks is used to indicate the amount of lumbar extension. The increased distance along the tape due to the extension of the lumbar spine is normally about 2-3 cm (less than 1cm should be considered abnormal).
• Lumbar lateral flexion range of motion — 12 weeks
  The participant will be asked to stand erect with her feet about shoulder-width apart. Both right and left lateral flexion will be measured by the tape as the distance from the tip of the index finger to the floor at maximal comfortable lateral flexion. The participant will be instructed to bend her trunk laterally as much as she can. The normal value of lateral spinal flexion is 16.2-28.0 cm.

Trial sites (1)

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