The Effect of Graston Technique on Pain, Proprioception, Flexibility, and Disability in Patients with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) causes significant dysfunction in patients. The Graston Technique (GT) is a new intervention in pain management but there is a lack of evidence in the literature regarding its effectiveness in low back pain.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effect of GT added to exercise on pain, proprioception, disability, flexibility, and quality of life in individuals with CNLBP.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with a total of 30 CNLBP patients.

SETTING

Karabük University Training and Research Hospital, Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients (mean age = 38.46 ± 9.03 years) with CNLBP for at least 12 weeks were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups intervention and control.

INTERVENTION: Graston was applied three times a week for four weeks in addition to the exercise program in the intervention group, while only the exercise program was applied to the control group.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, proprioception, flexibility, disability, and quality of life were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life were found in both the control and intervention groups (P < .05). There was an increase in flexibility and a decrease in proprioception deviation angles of 15° and 30° in the GT group (P < .05). The improvement in pain and disability in the intervention group was significant compared to the control group (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding pressure pain threshold, flexibility, proprioception, and quality of life (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

GT added to exercise in patients with CNLBP better reduces pain and disability, improves proprioceptive sense, and increases mobility and quality of life. GT may be used as a supportive treatment during the rehabilitation of CNLBP patients.