An Additional Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Unspecified Chronic Low Back Pain Among University Employees in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: One of the most commonly observed work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) in university employees is low back pain (LBP). However, there is a lack of clinical studies investigating the additional effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) with exercise on unspecified chronic low back pain among university employees. Objective: To investigate the additional effects of electro-acupuncture with exercise on unspecified chronic low back pain among university employees. Methods: Through permuted two-block randomization technique, the eligible participants were randomized and allocated into the electro-acupuncture with exercise group (Group A; n=64) and exercise alone group (Group B; n=64). Group A received electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment with exercise and Group B received exercise care alone for 4 times a week for 4 weeks. Primary (pain intensity) and secondary (range of motion, functional disability, and quality of life) measures were measured at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and at 6 months’ follow-up. The independent t-test and chi-square test were used to test the differences between the two groups’ general characteristics. The time effect within each group was analyzed with a repeated measure ANOVA test. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical attributes show a homogenous presentation among the study groups (p>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, and at the end of 6 months follow up, the pain intensity, 2.9 (95% CI 2.78 to 3.01), range of motion -3.22 (95% CI -3.51 to -2.92), functional disability 9.0 (95% CI 8.68 to 9.31), and quality of life -29.3 (95% CI -31.6 to -27.1) shows significant improvement (p<0.001) in Group A than Group B. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that electro-acupuncture could be an effective additional treatment in physical therapy for unspecified chronic low back pain in university employees. This trial provided an additional knowledge for physical therapists in the field of unspecified chronic low back pain treatment.