EMG biofeedback used to reduce standing levels of paraspinal muscle tension in chronic low back pain

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (LBP) patients (20) with relatively high standing paraspinal EMG [electromyographic] levels (> 5 .mu.V) were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group (N = 10) received EMG biofeedback training to reduce standing paraspinal EMG levels, the other group (N = 10) served as a waiting list control group. Changes in perceived pain (duration .times. intensity) and paraspinal EMG in standing position were measured at a 3 wk pretreatment baseline, during the 3 wk treatment period, and at a 3 wk post-treatment baseline. Compared to patients in the waiting list control group, those who received EMG biofeedback showed a significant decrease in standing paraspinal EMG from pretreatment to post-treatment baseline. No significant differences in reported pain were found during these periods. Reduction of standing paraspinal EMG does not lead to reduction in pain.