TY - JOUR
T1 - Pain Mechanisms in Low Back Pain
T2 - A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Mechanical Quantitative Sensory Testing Outcomes in People With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
AU - den Bandt, Hester
AU - Paulis, Winifred D
AU - Beckwée, David
AU - Ickmans, Kelly
AU - Nijs, Jo
AU - Voogt, Lennard
PY - 2019/10
Y1 - 2019/10
N2 - BACKGROUND:
Mechanical quantitative sensory testing (QST) assesses sensory functioning and detects functional changes in (central) nociceptive processing. It has been hypothesized that these functional changes might be apparent in people with nonspecific low back pain (LBP), although the results are mixed.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this systematic review was to examine whether sensory function, measured with QST, was altered in people with nonspecific LBP.
METHODS:
This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched for relevant literature. Studies comparing mechanical QST measures involving people with subacute and chronic LBP and healthy controls were included if (1) pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), (2) temporal summation, or (3) conditioned pain modulation were reported. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. When possible, the results from different studies were pooled.
RESULTS:
Twenty-four studies were included. Scores on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale varied between 1 and 6 points. People with nonspecific LBP, compared to healthy controls, had significantly lower PPTs at remote sites and increased temporal summation at the lower back. The PPTs measured at the scapula were significantly lower in patients with nonspecific LBP than in healthy controls (pooled mean difference, 119.2 kPa; 95% confidence interval: 91.8, 146.6 kPa; P<.001).
CONCLUSION:
The PPT measurements at remote body parts were significantly lower in people with nonspecific LBP compared with healthy controls. Temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation measurements had mixed outcomes.
AB - BACKGROUND:
Mechanical quantitative sensory testing (QST) assesses sensory functioning and detects functional changes in (central) nociceptive processing. It has been hypothesized that these functional changes might be apparent in people with nonspecific low back pain (LBP), although the results are mixed.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this systematic review was to examine whether sensory function, measured with QST, was altered in people with nonspecific LBP.
METHODS:
This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched for relevant literature. Studies comparing mechanical QST measures involving people with subacute and chronic LBP and healthy controls were included if (1) pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), (2) temporal summation, or (3) conditioned pain modulation were reported. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. When possible, the results from different studies were pooled.
RESULTS:
Twenty-four studies were included. Scores on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale varied between 1 and 6 points. People with nonspecific LBP, compared to healthy controls, had significantly lower PPTs at remote sites and increased temporal summation at the lower back. The PPTs measured at the scapula were significantly lower in patients with nonspecific LBP than in healthy controls (pooled mean difference, 119.2 kPa; 95% confidence interval: 91.8, 146.6 kPa; P<.001).
CONCLUSION:
The PPT measurements at remote body parts were significantly lower in people with nonspecific LBP compared with healthy controls. Temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation measurements had mixed outcomes.
KW - central sensitization
KW - conditioned pain modulation
KW - low back pain
KW - pressure pain threshold
KW - temporal summation
M3 - Article
VL - 49
SP - 698
EP - 715
JO - Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
JF - Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
SN - 0190-6011
IS - 10
ER -