Ganzkörper-EMS versus Medizinische Trainingstherapie bei chronischen Rückenschmerzen. Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Äquivalenz-Studie

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Muskuläre Dysbalance und eine schwache Rückenmuskulatur sind zentrale Auslöser für nicht-spezifische chronische Kreuzschmerzen (NCLBP). Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) gilt als sichere, gelenkfreundliche und zeiteffektive Trainingstechnologie, mit validierter Evidenz für positive Effekte auf die Schmerzintensität bei NCLBP. Primäre Hypothese der Arbeit war, dass WB-EMS und die etablierte Medizinische Trainingstherapie (MTT) äquivalente Effekte auf die Schmerzintensität bei NCLBP von NCLBP im ambulanten klinischen Setting zeigen.

Material und Methoden

26 Teilnehmer mit NCLBP zwischen 40–70 Jahre wurden randomisiert einer WB-EMS (n=13) und einer MTT (n=13) Gruppe zugewiesen. In der WB-EMS-Gruppe erfolgte 1x 20 min/Woche ein niederfrequentes WB-EMS Training, die MTT Gruppe führte ein rückenorientiertes Kraft-/Stabilisations-Training an Geräten 1x 45 min/Woche, jeweils über 10 Wochen durch. Primärer Studienendpunkt war die Veränderung derSchmerzintensität von NCLBP, erfasst in einem 7-tägigen Schmerztagebuch. Sekundäre Studienendpunkte waren die Veränderung des Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) sowie der isometrischen Maximalkraft der Rückenextensoren.

Ergebnisse

Alle Teilnehmer konnten die Intervention und die Abschlussmessung vollständig und ohne unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen beenden. WB-EMS und MTT zeigten eine „äquivalente“ Verbesserung der Schmerzintensität von NCLBP. Im Detail ergaben sich in beiden Gruppen jeweils signifikante Verbesserungen der Schmerzintensität (WB-EMS: –1,02±0,49 versus MTT: − 0,93±0,43 Pt.), der rückenschmerz-bedingten Behinderung (− 2,46±0,78 versus − 2,85±1,02 Items) und der isometrischen Maximalkraft der Rückenextensoren (7,2±3,3 versus 9,0±3,5 kg), jeweils ohne relevante Zwischengruppenunterschiede.

Schlussfolgerung

Zusammenfassend kann WB-EMS als effektive und sichere Option zur etablierten MTT zur Therapie von NCLBP im ambulanten Setting angesehenwerden.

Abstract

Objectives

Muscular imbalance and weak back muscles are considered to be key triggers for non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a safe, joint-friendly and time-effective training technology with considerable evidence of positive effects on NCLBP. The primary hypothesis of the study was that WB-EMS and the recognized Medical Training Therapy (MTT) show equivalent effects on the severity of NCLBP in an ambulatory clinical setting.

Material and Methods

A total of 26 participants with NCLBP, 40-70 years old were randomly assigned to a WB-EMS (n=13) or a MTT (n=13) group. In the WB-EMS group, low-frequency EMS training was performed 1x 20 min/week, the MTT group performed back-specific strength/stabilization training on devices 1x 45 min/week, both for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity of NCLBP as determined by a 7-day diary. Secondary study endpoints were changes in the Roland MorrisDisability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and isometric maximum strength of the back extensors.

Results

No participant was lost to follow-up or reported adverse events. WB-EMS and MTT showed “equivalent” positive changes in NCLBP. In detail, both groups revealed significant improvements in pain intensity (WB-EMS: − 1.02±0.49 vs MTT: − 0.93±0.43 pts.), disability (− 2.46±0.78 vs. − 2.85±1.02 items) and back extensor strength (7.2±3.3 vs. 9.0±3.5 kg), each without relevant between-group differences.

Conclusion

In summary, WB-EMS can be considered an effective and safe option to established MTT for the treatment of NCLBP an ambulatory setting.

Schlüsselwörter

Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation - chronisch unspezifische Rückenschmerzen - Medizinische Trainingstherapie - Intervention

Keywords

Whole-body electromyostimulation - non-specific chronic low back pain - Medical training therapy - Intervention

Publication History

Received: 30 November 2024

Accepted after revision: 11 June 2025

Article published online:
11 July 2025

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