A pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial of roptrotherapy in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain

A prospective randomized controlled trial with a 1-week interval was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of one deep cross-friction massage with the aid of Japanese-made copper myofascial T-bars or "roptrotherapy" and applied on the lumbo-pelvic region in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain (LBP). Patients with LBP were randomly allocated to a control group (no treatment, n = 20), a placebo group (endermology as a massage-like treatment, n = 20), and to a roptrotherapy group (n = 20). Primary outcomes were pressure pain thresholds (PPT) measured at the level of the Erector spinae of L I & U, and Gluteus maximus. Secondary outcomes were the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ). The results revealed that the disability and pain related measurements were significantly decreased and a minimum clinical change occurred in the group treated with roptrotherapy at the 1-week interval session, while in the placebo and control group no tendency of improvement was noted. The results of this study provide direct evidence that one roptrotherapy session can reduce effectively pain sensitivity and disability in patients with non-specific LBR Nevertheless in future, evidence for long term effects are needed after different weekly sessions.