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The Effect of Adding Electrical Stimulation to Trunk-Focused Exercises on Pain, Disability, Quality of Life, and Fear of Movement in Elderly Women with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain
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Shima Hazareh   , Sadredin Shojaedin * , Malihe Hadadnezhad |
| Kharazmi University |
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Abstract: (12 Views) |
Introduction: Trunk-focused exercises are known to reduce pain and improve function in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of adding electrical stimulation to trunk-focused exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and Kinesiophobia in elderly women with nonspecific chronic low back pain.
Methods: his semi-experimental study employed a pre-test–post-test control group design. Thirty-six elderly women with nonspecific chronic low back pain were randomly assigned into three groups: trunk-focused exercises with electrical stimulation, trunk-focused exercises without electrical stimulation, and a control group (12 participants per group). Both intervention groups underwent an eight-week treatment program, receiving therapeutic interventions—including heat therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—three sessions per week at a physiotherapy clinic. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), disability with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, quality of life with a standard QoL questionnaire, and fear of movement with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK–11), both before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Results: Both experimental groups showed significant reductions in mean pain intensity and disability scores (p < 0.001), as well as improvements in quality of life and reduced fear of movement (p = 0.003). The group receiving trunk exercises combined with electrical stimulation demonstrated the greatest improvements across all outcome variables (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: While both experimental protocols were effective in improving the targeted outcomes, adding electrical stimulation yielded a greater effect size compared to trunk-focused exercises alone. Therefore, this combined approach may be beneficial for managing chronic low back pain in elderly individuals.
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| Keywords: Low back pain, electrical stimulation therapy, quality of life, Aged, Kinesiophobia |
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Type of Study: Original research |
Subject:
geriatric rehabilitation
Received: 2025/04/15 | Accepted: 2025/10/10 | Published: 2025/10/10
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