Efficacy of the Santhiflex™ method of psychomotor postural re-education in the treatment of chronic low back pain

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic low back pain is conceived of as a multifactorial syndrome that results in the loss of functional capacity. It affects the quality of life of an individual and its treatment requires a comprehensivetherapeutic approach. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the Santhiflex™ Method in the treatment of chronic low back pain, as well as its effects on functional capacity, health-related quality of life and body posture. Materials and methods: 20 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly distributed into two groups of 10: an experimental group, which was treated with the Santhiflex™ Method of psychomotor postural re-education; and a control group, which was given a lecture on postural orientation after the first evaluation. Results: The obtained data were analyzed using standard statistical software, SPSS-17 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) and the results were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies, and median with first and third quartiles. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used forwithin-group samples. Intergroup comparison was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were significant differences in the main factors assessed.Discussion: The findings demonstrated a significant total improvement in low back pain scores in the EG, whereas there was no significant change in the CG. Conclusion: The Santhiflex™ Method is effective in the treatment of low back pain and has positive effects on functional capacity and health-related quality of life.