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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide with far-reaching implications for social, economic, and public health. The study aimed to compare the effect of combined physiotherapy treatment in patients with CLBP. This observational retrospective randomized controlled study involved reviewing medical records of patients who were treated during a period of 6 weeks in the physiotherapy department of the Special Hospital for General Rehabilitation “Banja e Kllokotit,” Kllokot, Republic of Kosovo. The observational research was conducted for 60 patients, divided into two groups: Group 1: experimental group (n=30), with mean age of 41.7 years, average height of 1.68 cm, and average body mass index (BMI) of 71.7 for both sexes; Group 2: control group (n=30) with mean age of 43.1 years, average height of 1.66 cm, and average body mass index (BMI) of 71.5 for both sexes. In Group 1, combined treatment with passive therapy [thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)], physical exercises, lumbar traction, and walking program was applied, while in Group 2, passive therapy like thermotherapy and TENS was applied. Outcome measurements included pain intensity, lumbar flexibility, revised Oswestry disability index (ODI), and self-confidence, which were assessed pre-treatment, at 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks of clinical treatment. The results showed significant improvement in both groups. However, the improvement was greater and with a significant difference only after 6 weeks in Group 1 compared to Group 2. The differences were observed in various outcome measures, including the visual analog scale for pain (VAS; p<0.0001), fingertip-to-floor distance (FTF; p<0.0001), ODI (p<0.0001), and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE; p=0.0002). According to our data, combined treatment with thermotherapy, therapeutic exercises, lumbar traction, TENS, and walking program was more effective and can be considered as a treatment protocol for patients with CLBP. However, further research is recommended on the efficacy of combined physiotherapy treatment, especially lumbar traction for longer periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives. Physiotherapy programs in individuals experiencing chronic lower back pain (CLBP) aim to improve function, disabilities from worsening. As per clinical practice guidelines, many methods are applied, such as the McKenzie method, therapeutic exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), traction, thermotherapy etc. The effectiveness of these methods is supported by a wide range of evidence and studies, making them some of the most diverse and well-established approaches. These physiotherapeutic treatments are combined every day. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide a comparative investigation on two different physiotherapy programs containing a combination of these treatment modalities in individuals with CLBP. Materials and methods. This research involved 60 patients who were separated into two groups. Group I received the McKenzie treatment method, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Group II received therapeutic exercises, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Both groups underwent treatment for six weeks. Subjects were tested using research instruments at the beginning, at the end of three weeks, and at the end of six weeks of treatment. The evaluation instruments used were the visual analog scale, Finger-to-Floor test, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar flexibility, and self-confidence showed greater improvement after six weeks of treatment in both programs (p <0.0001), without any significant statistical difference among the groups (p >0.05). Conclusions. The data obtained from both groups support the effectiveness of both treatment programs and suggest that they can be considered as options for viable programs treatment for patients with CLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]