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Sixty-six chronic low back pain sufferers, recruited through the media, were randomly divided into three groups. Following an assessment consisting of psychological questionnaires, pain monitoring and measurement of paraspinal electromyogram (EMG), one group received paraspinal EMG biofeedback, and a second group received a placebo treatment. The third group received no intervention. Two further assessments were carried out on all groups immediately after and three months after treatment. All groups showed significant reductions in pain, anxiety, depression and paraspinal EMG, but there were no differences among the groups. A regression analysis failed to identify subject characteristics which predicted positive outcome in the biofeedback group, but the Evaluative scale of the MPQ and hypnotizability were significant predictors of outcome for the placebo group. The results are discussed in terms of a general placebo effect of participating in research designed to reduce pain. It is concluded that paraspinal EMG biofeedback is not an effective treatment for chronic low back pain in a non-hospitalized population.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) - Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2004 xvi, 100 leaves / There is a growing base of evidence demonstrating the important relationship between altered mechanics of the lower limb and low back pain. Sagittal plane blockage, specifically at the first metatarsophalangeal joints but also at the ankle joints, has been implicated as playing a role in the process of chronic mechanical low back pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a link could be found between chronic mechanical low back pain and sagittal plane blockage of the feet and ankles.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Durban Institute of Technology, 2004 xiii, 53 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm / Epidemiological studies, conducted in various countries around the world suggest that low back pain (LBP) represents a serious health risk, affecting populations all over the world. Evidence suggests that the prevalence of LBP is relatively high among people in their 20’s and 30’s. A few epidemiological studies on student populations in other countries suggest prevalence rates of 27 to 71% (Gemmel et al. 1990, Klaber-Moffet et al. 1993, Reis et al. 1996, Lebowski 1997), however LBP among students in South Africa had not yet been investigated. This study concentrated on the prevalence of LBP among the student population of a South African tertiary institution, i.e. Durban Institute of Technology (DIT). This study also proposed to investigate the level and nature of care seeking among those people suffering from LBP. A third aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between potential risk factors and the prevalence of LBP among the student population of South Africa. These were: age, gender, race, height, weight, smoking habits, parity, physical exercise and occupation.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Durban Institute of Technology, 2007. / Objectives The objectives were to compare the relative effect of manipulation and core rehabilitation in the treatment of acute mechanical lower back pain in athletes. Project Design: The study design was a randomized controlled parallel group trial. A quantitative study was performed, by making use of a pre à à à ¢ and post experimental investigation (Nansel et al. 1993 and Naidoo, 2002). Setting: Participants presenting with acute low back pain with an onset of 7 days or less, to the Chiropractic Day Clinic at the Durban University of Technology. Subjects: Thirty athletic participants, either male or female, between the ages of 18 and 45 years presented at the initial consultation which included participant screening and establishment of their suitability for the study. These were then divided into either group A (which received a manipulation) or group B (which received core exercises). Outcome measure: A correct contraction of the core stability muscles was maintained, with a decrease in pressure (in mm Hg) on a Pressure Biofeedback Unit, and an increase in length of time (in seconds). Results: It was found that there was no significant difference between the manipulation and the core rehabilitation groups. Although both groups showed v improvement with regards to their acute mechanical low back pain, the core rehabilitation group improved at a significantly faster rate than the manipulation group with regards to endurance on the stabilizer. Conclusions: Both treatments were equally beneficial for most of the quantitative outcomes measured in this study. However, for the outcome of time on the stabilizer, the core rehabilitation group improved at a significantly faster rate than the manipulation group (p=0.006).

Thesis (MAppSc in Physiotherapy) -- University of South Australia, 1994

Thesis (M App Sc) -- University of South Australia, 1992

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 81 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-46).