Effects of an Impulse on the Sterno-Cleido-Mastoid Muscle on Back Pain, Discomfort, and Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial in People with Low Back Pain

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of low back pain (LBP), passive regimens (e.g., relaxation) as opposed to active regimens (e.g., muscle training) may be a useful adjunct or, in certain cases, the only possible approach. Passive relaxation may be particularly useful for individuals who have lost the ability to adequately perceive relaxed muscles. The aim of the randomized controlled trial presented here was to investigate a specific and novel treatment for passive relaxation, namely, the Vitametik impulse (VI). METHODS: Participants (n = 135; 73.3% women; 26.7% men) were individuals with mild to moderate LBP aged from 19 to 76 years (M = 48.8). The participants were randomly assigned to one of four different groups (three different 8-week interventions, one control group). Pain, discomfort, and well-being were measured before and after the intervention period and at an 8-week follow-up. RESULTS: In the VI group, the decrease in various pain variables and discomfort was higher compared to the control group and compared to an education program (EP). There were no differences between the VI group and a combined VI/EP group. The effects remained stable until follow-up. CONCLUSION: VI appears to be an effective approach in the treatment of LBP, although the underlying mechanism remains unproven. Future studies should compare VI treatment with specific relaxation techniques or active muscle training. In addition, the results of the study need to be replicated.