Efficacy and safety of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for chronic low back pain. Materials and methods: Eleven databases were searched from their inception through January 2021. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, individual activities, quality of life, and adverse events. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 184 patients (mean age: 37.8±3.1 years; range, 35 to 50 years) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled effect size showed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, relieved pain (standard means difference [SMD]: -0.835, 95% CI: -1.139 to -0.531, p<0.001, n=4), and improved individual activity (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, SMD: -1.765, 95% CI: -2.642 to -0.888, p<0.001, n=2; Oswestry Disability Index, SMD: -0.893, 95% CI: -1.434 to -0.352, p=0.001, n=1) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). CONCLUSION: This study verified that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation could relieve pain and improve individual activities without serious adverse events in patients with CLBP; however, it should be cautiously recommended due to the small number of included RCTs.