Abstract
Background Recent studies show massage is effective in reducing back pain and heat and warmth during massage increases an individual's sense of wellbeing. The Ceragem V3 automatic thermal massage bed utilises principles of thermal massage to provide a therapeutic tool for individuals with conditions including diabetes and back pain. Though the brand is well known globally and has much anecdotal evidence, little research has been done on what effect the bed has on individuals with back pain. This study aims to assess subjective experience and function of participants with back pain when using the Ceragem V3.
Methods & Results Thirty-two participants (aged 35.2±9.9 years) with back pain (including sciatica) were recruited after screening using the Red Flags and STarT Back tools. The intervention comprised nine treatment sessions over three successive weeks using an automated thermal massage bed (Ceragem V3, Korea) in automatic mode. Body charts, Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used to measure participant pain, stiffness, discomfort and disability levels pre and post intervention.
Body chart analysis for pain location showed a significant reduction in reported pain in the thoracic and lumbosacral regions (p<0.01). PROMs showed a significant reduction in the number of days back pain was experienced (p<0.000) and clinically important reductions in back pain, stiffness and discomfort (p<0.000). There was also a significant reduction in RMDQ score (p=0.000).
Conclusions Initial findings demonstrate that through a three week intervention programme, individuals show a significant improvement in back pain, discomfort and stiffness.
Footnotes
No conflicts of interest
Funded by the UNITE with Business scheme
This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part and has not been previously presented at a national meeting.
- Copyright © 2014, British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery
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