The Effect of Movement Correction Exercises with and Without Mirror Therapy on Painand Disability with Chronic Low Back Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) in improving pain and function in the upper limbs. However, there are limited studies that validate its effectiveness in enhancing function and reducing pain among individuals with chronic back pain. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of motor correction exercises with and without MT on pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic low back. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 72 participants with chronic back pain referring to physiotherapy centers affiliated with Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz. Specific exercises using MT were performed in the intervention group (36 participants) and without it in the control group (36 participants) for 10 weeks. The condition of the patients before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention was evaluated using a chronic pain questionnaire, pain intensity, and Oswestry index. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive and inferential statistical methods. A significance level of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Results: A significant difference was observed between the groups for the variables that showed pain intensity after treatment (P = 0.001) and the difference remained in the follow-up (P = 0.003) Chronic pain after treatment and the difference at follow-up [-0.41 (-3.45 to 2.47), P = 0.001] and disability remained after treatment [-2.6 (-5.6 to 0.5); P = 0.02] which indicates the effectiveness of MT. Conclusions: Based on the results, MT was effective in reducing the pain intensity and disability experienced by patients with chronic back pain. As a result, considering its affordability and ease of access, patients can perform the exercises independently after receiving proper instruction and guidance.