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A non-randomized clinical trial on the impact of non-rigid, inelastic corsets on spine function in low back pain participants and asymptomatic controls.
Spine J. 2015 Jun 19. [Epub ahead of print]
Kawchuk GN, Edgecombe T, Wong A, Cojocaru A, Prasad N.
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT:
While previous studies suggest braces/corsets can reduce acute pain, no prior study has assessed back function following bracing with both self-reported and objective measures. Use of both self-reported and objective measures of spine function together may be important given evidence they assess unique aspects of function.
PURPOSE:
To assess both self-reported and objective measures of spinal function before, and after, use of a non-rigid, inelastic lumbar brace.
STUDY DESIGN / SETTING:
Non-randomized clinical trial PARTICIPANT SAMPLE: Acute low back pain participants and asymptomatic controls.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
Oswestry Disability Index, spinal stiffness and muscle endurance.
METHODS:
Three groups were studied: -LBP/-Brace (n = 19), -LBP/+Brace (n = 18) +LBP/+Brace (n = 17). Both groups of braced participants were instructed to wear the brace continually for 2 weeks with the exception of bedroom & bathroom activities. Before and after the 2 week period, 3 measures of spinal function were performed: spinal stiffness via motorized indentation of the L3 spinous process, a modified Sorensen test (timed lumbar extension against gravity), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted for all three outcomes. Braces were provided at no cost by Aspen Medical Products as were funds to support data collection (∼ $29,000 CDN).
RESULTS:
Between groups, ODI scores decreased significantly for the +LBP/+Brace group (p < 0.001) compared to the other two groups. The +LBP/+Brace mean ODI score decreased 3.71 points (95%CI 2.01 - 5.40) compared to the -LBP/-Brace group and decreased 3.48 points (95% CI 1.77 - 5.20) compared to the -LBP/+Brace group. Change scores for Sorenson's test were significantly increased in the +LBP/+Brace group (p = 0.037) compared to the -LBP/-Brace group (22.47s 95%CI 8.14-36.80). Spinal stiffness did not change significantly between groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates that lumbar function assessed by self-reported and objective measures do not worsen when non-rigid, in-elastic bracing is used for short periods of time for those with, or without, back pain. These data add to the existing literature that suggests short-term use of non-rigid, inelastic bracing for acute LBP does not decease spinal function when measured separately with subjective or objective tools.
Spine J. 2015 Jun 19. [Epub ahead of print]
Kawchuk GN, Edgecombe T, Wong A, Cojocaru A, Prasad N.
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT:
While previous studies suggest braces/corsets can reduce acute pain, no prior study has assessed back function following bracing with both self-reported and objective measures. Use of both self-reported and objective measures of spine function together may be important given evidence they assess unique aspects of function.
PURPOSE:
To assess both self-reported and objective measures of spinal function before, and after, use of a non-rigid, inelastic lumbar brace.
STUDY DESIGN / SETTING:
Non-randomized clinical trial PARTICIPANT SAMPLE: Acute low back pain participants and asymptomatic controls.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
Oswestry Disability Index, spinal stiffness and muscle endurance.
METHODS:
Three groups were studied: -LBP/-Brace (n = 19), -LBP/+Brace (n = 18) +LBP/+Brace (n = 17). Both groups of braced participants were instructed to wear the brace continually for 2 weeks with the exception of bedroom & bathroom activities. Before and after the 2 week period, 3 measures of spinal function were performed: spinal stiffness via motorized indentation of the L3 spinous process, a modified Sorensen test (timed lumbar extension against gravity), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted for all three outcomes. Braces were provided at no cost by Aspen Medical Products as were funds to support data collection (∼ $29,000 CDN).
RESULTS:
Between groups, ODI scores decreased significantly for the +LBP/+Brace group (p < 0.001) compared to the other two groups. The +LBP/+Brace mean ODI score decreased 3.71 points (95%CI 2.01 - 5.40) compared to the -LBP/-Brace group and decreased 3.48 points (95% CI 1.77 - 5.20) compared to the -LBP/+Brace group. Change scores for Sorenson's test were significantly increased in the +LBP/+Brace group (p = 0.037) compared to the -LBP/-Brace group (22.47s 95%CI 8.14-36.80). Spinal stiffness did not change significantly between groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates that lumbar function assessed by self-reported and objective measures do not worsen when non-rigid, in-elastic bracing is used for short periods of time for those with, or without, back pain. These data add to the existing literature that suggests short-term use of non-rigid, inelastic bracing for acute LBP does not decease spinal function when measured separately with subjective or objective tools.