The effect of two types of thoracolumbosacral braces on electromyographyactivity and pain index in patients with low back pain during walking

Low back pain is a common ailment that affects about 80% of the population at some point in their life time. Using a brace is a method to control pain that physiotherapists recommend it. However, the scientific evidence about the effects of different braces in low back pain patients is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two thoracolumbosacral braces on electromyography activity) and pain index of low back pain patients during walking.

In this quasi-experimental study, 15 male and female subjects with low back pain volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects walked in three conditions (without braces, simple braces and sensor braces). An 8-channel wireless electromyography system was used to record the activity of the muscles of the back and lower limb during walking. Visual scale index was also used to record pain and comfort. Repeated measure ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Significance level was set at p=0.05.

Finding demonstrated that the pain value during using brace with sensor was lower than that simple brace (P<0.05). However, comfort value during using simple brace was the lowest (P<0.05). Frequency content of biceps femoris during push off while using brace with sensor was greater than that simple brace condition (p=0.007).

In general, it can be said that the use of tracholambosacral braces with sensor because of reduction in pain and increment in frequency content of biceps femoris muscle is more effective than that simple brace in patients with low back pain.