12th November 2001

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One of the most common forms of treatment for low back pain – a combination of electro-therapy and manipulation – is no more effective than using either in isolation, according to research carried out by the University of Ulster.

In the largest physiotherapy clinical trial ever carried out in Northern Ireland, the Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group studied the effectiveness of three forms of treatment:

· Manual therapy
· Interferential therapy, a form of electrotherapy
· Combination therapy, using both forms of treatment

The results showed that each form of treatment was equally effective and resulted in significant reduction in pain; a reduction in disability; less time off work; improvements in physical activity and quality of life; and less use of pain killers.

A follow up study after six months showed that the patients’ health was better than when they began treatment.

A total of 240 patients were studied over a 12 month period at four hospitals – Whiteabbey, Antrim, Waveney and Mid-Ulster. A total of 97 GPs referred patients to the study.

The results of the study will be revealed to a Physiotherapy Research Society conference next week.

Presenter, Mrs Deirdre Hurley-Osing of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences said: “It is encouraging that the treatments currently being used in the National Health Service actually work effectively.

“ Although electrotherapy has been in use for a long time, there was relatively little scientific research into its effectiveness. We have shown in this research that it is as effective as other treatments.

“ Clinically most physiotherapists use a combination of manual and electro therapies. Our research does not support this practice. Either is equally effective in isolation. ”

Mrs Hurley-Osing pointed out that low back pain affects about 80% of the adult population. A high percentage will continue to have some problems after treatment.

“ We can identify those at risk from chronic back pain but we want to ascertain if there is another form of treatment which could benefit them more. This will form the basis of further research to be carried out by the University ”, she added.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk