At a glance
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Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Paraspinal and Gluteal Morphology and Function in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Aquatic Therapy and Standard Care for Chronic Low-back Pain and 3 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 34 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of aquatic therapy versus standard care on paraspinal and gluteal morphology and function in individuals with chronic low back pain.The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What are the effects of aquatic therapy versus standard care on a) paraspinal and gluteal muscle size, composition (e.g., fatty infiltration) and b) lumbar and gluteal muscle strength in individuals with chronic LBP? 2. Is aquatic therapy more effective than standard care to improve pain, function and psychological factors (e.g., kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression)? 3. Is using a digital application "play the pain" feasible to monitor pain levels and the activities that participants used to cope with pain? Participants will be assigned to either the aquatic therapy group or standard care group where they will undergo a 10-week intervention including two 60-minute session per week.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants in this experimental intervention group will perform trunk stabilization, which will be based on a variety of aquatic exercises in different positions, intended to activate the multifidus and transverse abdominis in a co-contraction. Additionally, hip exercises will be completed to promote the strengthening of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles. The aim of these exercises is to enhance the strength and dynamic stability of the spine and its surrounding musculature in a functional and yet non-weight-bearing way. Each exercise will be performed 10 times while sustaining the muscles co-contraction for 5-10 seconds and will be progressed gradually. Each training session (60 minutes) will be supervised by a Certified Athletic Therapist and take place in the PERFORM AT Clinic/Swim Ex pool.
Participants in this experimental intervention group will receive the standard LBP treatment in the PERFORM Athletic Therapy clinic.Two Certified Athletic Therapists (AT) will be conducting the sessions. The ATs will complete a thorough assessment of the eligible participants with chronic LBP and administer a range of interventions including stretching, strengthening and stabilization exercise, aerobic conditioning, and manual mobilization techniques. Other modalities could include application of ice and heat, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).