Manual Therapy Plus Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is defined as back pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques with the application of Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer (TECAR) therapy to treat chronic low back pain. Sixty adults with chronic low back pain will be randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. In the participants of the first group, a therapeutic protocol of manual soft tissue mobilization in the lumbar region will be applied. To the participants of the second group, the same protocol of manual techniques will be applied in combination with TECAR therapy, which will be applied through a conventional capacitive electrode as well as an antistatic electrode bracelet (making the hand of the physical therapist an antistatic electrode). The third group participants will receive no treatment. Both programs will include six treatments over two weeks. Pain in the last 24 hours with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), functional ability with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) in the lumbar region with an algometer, and lumbar flexion range of motion through fingertip-to-floor distance (FFD) test will be evaluated before and after the intervention with a follow-up one month later. For the statistical analysis of the results, a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measurements will be applied, while the statistical significance index will be set at p < .05.

Inclusion Criteria:Duration of symptoms 12 weeksWomen - MenAge range between 20 and 60 yearsWritten consent to participate in the studyExclusion Criteria:Neuropathic pain extending along the lower limb due to nerve root compressionPrevious spine surgeryHistory of spine trauma or fractureImplanted pacemakersPregnancyCancerSystemic musculoskeletal diseases, diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's), epilepsy, and history of psychiatric disorders