Table 11Chronic low back pain: physical modalities (short-wave diathermy)

Author, Year, Followup,a Pain Duration, Study QualityInterventionPopulationFunction and Pain OutcomesOther Outcomes

Gibson, 1985143

2 months

Duration of pain: 2 to 12 months

Poor

A. Short wave diathermy (active SWD) (n=34), 12 sessions, 3 session/per week for 4 weeks

B. Placebo (detuned SWD) (n=34)

A vs. B

Age: 35 vs. 40 years

Female: 47% vs. 32%

Pain (0-100 VAS): 45 vs. 48

A vs. B

2 months

Pain (0-100 VAS, median): 25 vs. 13 (IQR not reported)

Unable to work or with limited activities: 7% vs. 19% RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.80

A vs. B

2 months

Using analgesics: 7% vs. 22%, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.50

CI = confidence interval; IQR = interquartile range; RR = relative risk; SWD = short wave diathermy; VAS = visual analog scale

a

Unless otherwise noted, followup time is calculated from the end of the treatment period

From: Results

Cover of Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update
Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 227.
Skelly AC, Chou R, Dettori JR, et al.

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