A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF ELECTROTHERAPY MODALITY COMBINED WITH YOGA IN PATIENTS WITH LOWER BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can restrict movement and daily activities. Physiotherapy may combine physical modalities with therapeutic exercise, but the immediate comparative effects of TENS and superficial heat alongside cobra extension exercise require further study.

Objective: To compare the immediate effects of TENS plus cobra extension exercise with hot pack plus cobra extension exercise on pain and lumbar range of motion in young adults with nonspecific LBP.

Methods: This experimental pre–post study included 30 male participants aged 18–28 years, purposively divided into two groups of 15. Group 1 received TENS and Group 2 received a hot pack; both groups then performed cobra extension exercise. Each modality was applied for 15 minutes. Exercise was performed for three minutes over three sets, with 30-second rests. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar flexion and extension were measured using a universal goniometer. Data were analysed in SPSS version 23.

Results: Mean VAS scores decreased from 1.80 (SD 0.775) to 1.47 (SD 0.743) in the TENS group and from 2.20 (SD 0.414) to 1.53 (SD 0.640) in the hot-pack group. Flexion increased from 58.27° to 61.73° and from 51.67° to 53.80°, respectively. Extension increased from 27.33° to 30.93° and from 19.13° to 21.47°. Group-by-time interactions were not significant for pain (p=.218), flexion (p=.307), or extension (p=.537).

Conclusion: Both treatment combinations were associated with immediate improvements, but the analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in change between groups. Findings are limited by the small, all-male sample and immediate assessment only.