The effect of short duration low back vibration on pain developed during prolonged standing

The purpose of this study was to determine if vibration, a potential method of pain management, applied to the low back could alleviate pain developed during prolonged standing. Eighteen healthy individuals participated in a 2.5-h standing task during which vibration (3-min duration) was applied at the 2-h and 2.25-h marks. During the full 2.5 h, participants recorded their perceived pain scores every 15 min using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Following each vibration bout, those who developed low back pain (LPB) reported statistically lower VAS scores compared to prior to the vibration; however, when the vibration ceased, LBP returned to pre-vibration levels. It appears that vibration may be an effective method of alleviating LBP caused by prolonged standing; however, the effects seem to be temporary. Further research is needed to investigate the optimal vibration frequency and time period to maximize pain management effectiveness. •Short duration bouts of vibration alleviated pain developed during prolonged standing.•Centre of pressure movement decreased when vibration was applied.•When vibration ceased, pain quickly returned toward pre-vibration levels.