Rao, Neel
(2022)
Scoping Review of Exercise with Complementary and Alternative Medicine Interventions
for Chronic Low Back Pain.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a global public health issue that can significantly affects individuals and society. Previous research has identified treatment options that may be effective in treating CLBP, including modalities such as exercise and several complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). While these associations have been investigated separately, little is known about the combined effect of exercise and CAM specifically for CLBP. The purpose of this study is to review the research methods and results regarding treatment of CLBP via an exercise program and supplemental CAM.
METHODS: A scoping literature search was conducted using the Ovid-MEDLINE database on October 29, 2021. Studies that utilized a structured exercise program and CAM treatment were included in analysis.
RESULTS: Search provided 1095 items, of which 18 studies were reviewed. The most common factor in successful reduction of CLBP was an exercise program based on stabilizing and strengthening exercises, among others. The most common agent of CAM used were thermal agents, followed by mechanical, electromagnetic, and other agents. The most of most convincing associations with exercise in reducing CLBP were seen in photobiomodulation and ultrasound therapy, with capacitive-resistive electric transfer also showing promise. There was large variability in the participant group allocation, study duration, and intervention details across all studies.
CONCLUSION: This reviewed identified a possible association between exercise and CAM treatments that produce a thermal heating effect either superficially and/or in deeper tissues. Future research should randomize participants in both groups to an exercise-based program, and additional study groups should be exposed to only one CAM. These findings are of public health significance because they can help inform and optimize the treatment of CLBP both from a clinical and research perspective. Identifying the most efficient and acceptable methods to treat CLBP could help alleviate the biopsychosocial burden placed on individuals and their communities, as well as broaden options for physicians looking to refer more effective treatment options to patients.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Thesis advisor | Rockette-Wagner, Bonny | bjr26@pitt.edu | bjr26 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Toto, Pamela | pet3@pitt.edu | pet3 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Kariuki, Jacob | kigok@pitt.edu | kigok | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
18 May 2022 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
29 April 2022 |
| Access Restriction: |
2 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 2 years. |
| Number of Pages: |
79 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Epidemiology |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Chronic Low Back Pain, Exercise, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM, Physical Activity, Interventions, Therapies |
| Date Deposited: |
18 May 2022 19:56 |
| Last Modified: |
18 May 2022 19:56 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42874 |
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