neuromuscular back pain/muscle energy technique (MET)

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Abstract from J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003 Sep;33(9):502-12.

Muscle energy technique in patients with acute low back pain: a pilot

clinical trial.

E, Payton O, Donegan-Shoaf L, Dec K.

Cadet Physical Therapy Clinic, 10th Medical Group, United States Air

Force Academy, CO 80840-2502, USA.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE:

Examining the outcomes of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in patients with

acute low back pain.

BACKGROUND: MET is commonly used to treat patients with acute low back

pain. No

randomized controlled trials examining the outcomes of this treatment in

symptomatic populations has been reported in the literature.

METHODS AND MEASURES: Ten men and 9 women diagnosed with acute low back

pain were randomly assigned with stratification to 1 of 2 treatment

groups. Patients were matched according to age, gender, and initial

Oswestry score. The control group received

supervised neuromuscular re-education and resistance training while the

experimental group received the same exercises coupled with MET. Both

groups received the selected treatment 8 times over a 4-week period (2

times per week). Patients completed an Oswestry

Disability Index on their first and eighth visits and change scores were

calculated.

RESULTS: A 2-tailed t test (P < .05) demonstrated a statistically

significant difference with the experimental group showing greater

improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index score than the control

group.

CONCLUSION: MET combined with supervised motor control and resistance

exercises may be superior to neuromuscular re-education and resistance

training for decreasing

disability and improving function in patients with acute low back pain.