Renowned spine surgeon Dr Alvin Pun has told the North American Spine Society (NASS) International Meeting that a getback study of chronic back pain patients demonstrates the effectiveness of device-based rehabilitation.
Dr Pun told NASS delegates that data from getback’s five-year study of 450 patients who completed device-based training showed sustainable improvements in function, strength and mobility.
‘Device-based spinal rehabilitation focuses on isolating, targeting and specific progressive strengthening of the spinal muscle of patients with chronic low back pain,’ Dr Pun said.
‘Patients who completed the rehabilitation showed sustainable improvements in daily functioning, along with increased strength and mobility in the muscles supporting the spine.’
‘These clinical findings illustrate that device-based exercise rehabilitation can produce specific, targeted, and quantifiable treatment.’
Dr Pun said the inaugural NASS International Meeting was an extraordinary gathering and collaboration of spine professionals from around the world.
‘Delegates shared and promoted the highest quality and evidence-based multidisciplinary spine care,’ he said.
“The outcomes of the study were well received, with both the faculty and attendees wanting to know more about device-based rehabilitation.
‘Most attendees believe that this type of rehabilitation can be part of a holistic approach to treating patients with spinal conditions.’
getback™ physiotherapy treatment for chronic back pain utilises rehabilitation devices and technology to ensure a safe, specific and individualised program.
The bio-mechanical design of devices assures specific movements, while their integrated technology platform ensures measurement functionality and quantifiable assessment.
The device screens provide bio-feedback for patients which guides them through exercises to increase motor control and motivation.
getback™ chronic back pain Study methods
- Prospective cohort study
- Multi-centre – Six clinics in two states in Australia.
- Patients with chronic back pain
- 12 weeks (2 treatment sessions per week)
- Device-based spinal rehabilitation program
- Pre- and post-therapy data were obtained, including:
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
- Thoracolumbar range of motion (ROM) in extension, flexion, lateral flexion and rotation.
- Thoracolumbar strength in extension, flexion, lateral flexion and rotation.
Alvin Pun, BMedSci, MBBS(Hons), FRACS, FAOA
Spine Surgeon
Board Member for Asia Pacific Spine Society (APSS)
Dr Pun has completed advanced spine surgical training at some of the world’s most distinguished spine centres, including Europe’s largest orthopaedic hospital and Asia’s leading hospital for spinal care.
Dr Pun collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team of Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, and pain specialists to provide patients with holistic and personalised spinal care. He believes in non-operative treatment where possible and is guided by the latest research and evidence.
‘We empower patients to choose the best treatment strategy for their spinal conditions’, Dr Pun said.
‘We provide personalised care, simplify complex medical information and offer non-surgical treatment options where appropriate.’
North American Spine Society (NASS)
NASS is a global, multi-disciplinary medical organisation dedicated to fostering the highest quality, ethical, value-based and evidence-based spine care through education, research and advocacy.
getback™
getback™ was co-founded by Professor Emeritus John Carlson and Geoffrey Mackay, who have collaborated for over 30 years to develop effective treatment for chronic back and neck pain. They developed the getback program in partnership with Finnish healthcare technology provider, David Health Solutions.
