A randomized controlled trial comparing the long-term use of soft lumbosacral orthoses at two different pressures in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Abstract Background There is concern that wearing soft lumbosacral orthoses for prolonged periods may impair motor function. Moreover, the pressure applied by lumbosacral orthoses on the abdominal wall is usually ignored when these orthoses are prescribed. Method In this randomized controlled trial study, 48 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly divided into high pressure, normal pressure and control groups. All groups received medication for 4 weeks. The normal pressure and high pressure groups, in addition to medication, used soft lumbosacral orthoses at normal pressure and 50% increased pressure, respectively. Motor function outcome measures were strength, endurance, proprioception and electromyographic activity of the trunk muscles. Clinical outcome measures were pain and disability, which were evaluated in two sessions before and after a 4-week interval. Findings. Isometric strength, endurance and most of the electromyographic parameters were generally unaffected by wearing the lumbosacral orthosis. Pain improved in all groups, and disability and proprioception improved in the high pressure and normal pressure groups. Between-group differences in these three measures indicated better results in the lumbosacral orthoses groups than in the control group. The improvements in pain and proprioception were significantly greater in the high pressure group than the normal pressure group. Interpretation. Long-term use of lumbosacral orthoses had no significant adverse effects on motor function or clinical factors in patients with chronic low back pain. Increasing lumbosacral orthosis tightness may improve motor functioning and the clinical efficacy of the orthosis. Clinical Trial Registration number: Code: IRCT201708192391N38.