# Impact of Vojta therapy combined with standard care on psychometric and functional parameters in patients with chronic lower back pain: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study found that combining Vojta therapy with standard care improves mental and physical outcomes in patients with chronic lower back pain.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the added benefits of Vojta therapy when combined with standard care for chronic lower back pain.

## Key findings

- Combining Vojta therapy with standard care significantly improved functional parameters compared to standard care alone.
- Vojta therapy reduced depression and enhanced self-esteem in patients with chronic lower back pain.
- Postural control and mental health outcomes were better in the Vojta therapy group.

## Abstract

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is very common, resulting in functional deficits and significant socio-economic burden. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical-psychological therapy, are frequently utilized. Vojta therapy (VT) is a type of physical therapy that effectively enhances the automatic control of body posture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining VT with the usual standard of care (USC) therapy on psychometric and functional parameters in patients with chronic LBP. A total of 148 patients diagnosed with chronic LBP were recruited and randomized into two groups: LBP–VT (n = 82) and LBP–USC (n = 66). Patients were assessed for demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, clinical findings, health status, pain symptom scales, psychometric, and functional parameters. The LBP–VT group received VT in addition to USC and electrotherapy, while the LBP–USC group received only USC. Initial Hamilton Depression Scale assessments indicated moderate depression, which improved to mild depression post-treatment. The effect of the treatment on self-esteem was significant for the LBP–VT group and moderate for the LBP–USC group. Functional parameters improved in both groups, with the LBP–VT group having significantly better results. Combining VT with standard care, electrotherapy, and massage significantly improved posture, reduced depression associated with functional deficits, and enhanced self-esteem in patients with chronic LBP.