Aletha Health
REVOLUTIONIZING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR BACK PAIN AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
A randomized control trial investigating the effects of a novel therapeutic program on lower back pain, mobility, physical function, and physiological metrics
White Paper by Susie Reiner, PhD, ACSM-EP, CSCS
The Highlights
Key Findings
This white paper presents the findings of an external validation study investigating Aletha Health’s Hip Hook (Mark) device, designed to target deep hip flexors (specifically the psoas and iliacus muscles) to alleviate chronic lower back pain, improve mobility, and enhance physical function. Conducted in collaboration with Evolve Well Research Partners and Biostrap, the study demonstrated significant benefits in both acute and chronic outcomes when compared to traditional stretching exercises.
Real Relief. Lasting Results.
Chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a significant global health issue, with up to 84% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives (1). Despite its widespread prevalence, effective treatment for LBP remains a challenge, as conventional interventions, including physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and stretching, often produce inconsistent results. A promising focus in recent research is the role of deep hip flexor dysfunction, specifically the iliacus and psoas muscles, in contributing to chronic LBP. Addressing imbalances or dysfunctions in these muscles may offer an effective solution for pain management and improved physical function (2, 3).
In response to this growing body of research, Aletha Health developed the Hip Hook, an innovative therapeutic device designed to target the psoas and iliacus muscles to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical function. This external validation study, conducted in collaboration with Evolve Well Research Partners and Biostrap, investigates the efficacy of the Hip Hook compared to traditional stretching exercises. The study evaluates both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects on LBP management, sleep, mobility, and physical function through a randomized controlled trial.
Why We Did This: The Science Behind the Study
The primary objective of the study was to assess the acute and chronic benefits of the Hip Hook in comparison to conventional stretching exercises. The acute effects were measured after a single use of the Hip Hook, while the chronic effects were evaluated following consistent use over four weeks. The study aimed to determine if the Hip Hook could provide measurable improvements in pain relief, sleep quality, physical activity, and overall well-being.
This study builds upon prior research suggesting that targeted interventions on the iliopsoas muscles can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function (2, 3). By comparing the results of the Hip Hook to traditional stretching methods, the study offers valuable insights into the potential of new, targeted therapies for managing chronic LBP and improving quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
Hypotheses
Primary Hypothesis
The Hip Hook will result in significant improvements in pain, mobility, and physical function compared to traditional stretching exercises.
Secondary Hypothesis
The Hip Hook will lead to improvements in sleep quality and reductions in ANS activity (e.g., increased heart rate variability, reduced resting heart rate).
Study Design
Outcomes Measured
Impact on Physical Activity and Strength
Overall physical activity significantly decreased for the Control group from baseline (M= 72.17, SD = 26.65) to the intervention phase (M = 64.45, SD = 34.92), t(8) = -2.63, p = .030, Cohen’s d = -0.88, 95% CI [-1.63, 0.08], but did not significantly change for the Intervention group from baseline (M = 70.59, SD = 17.06) to the intervention phase (M = 69.45, SD = 18.73), t(14) = -0.47, p = .646, Cohen’s d = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.63, 0.39].
Daily steps significantly decreased from baseline (M = 11171.0, SD = 5911.4) to the intervention phase for the Control group (M = 9622.4, SD = 6092.3), t(8) = -3.17, p = .013, Cohen’s d = -1.06, 95% CI [ -1.86, -0.21], but did not significantly change from baseline (M = 10017.7, SD = 5470.5) to the intervention phase for the Intervention group (M = 9649.7, SD = 4597.0), t(14) = -0.50, p = .627, Cohen’s d = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.63, 0.39].
Duration of activity significantly decreased from baseline (M = 10402.6, SD = 5551.6) to the intervention phase for the Control group (M = 8708.4, SD = 6113.9), t(8) = -2.55, p = .034, Cohen’s d = -0.85, 95% CI [-1.60, -0.06], but did not significantly change from baseline (M = 8839.4, SD = 4644.0) to the intervention phase for the Intervention group (M = 8538.40, SD = 3934.22), t(14) = -0.57, p = .580, Cohen’s d = -0.15, 95% CI [ -0.65, 0.37].
Strength improved in the Intervention group; the number of chair stands performed increased from pre-intervention (M = 10.38, SD = 2.57) to post-intervention (M = 11.69, SD = 2.63), with the results approaching, but not reaching, significance t(12) = 1.97, p = .072, Cohen’s d = 0.55, 95% CI [-0.05, 1.12]. For the Control group, the number of chair stands performed did not significantly change from pre-intervention (M = 14.0, SD = 5.2) to post-intervention (M = 14.5, SD = 5.3), t(7) = 0.53, p = .613, Cohen’s d = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.52 0.88]. When examining one-sided p-values, the increase in number of chair stands for the Intervention group from pre-intervention to post-intervention reached significance, p =.036.
These findings suggest that using the Hip Hook may help stabilize physical activity patterns and improve muscular strength during a back pain intervention, preventing the declines seen in the Control group.
Impact on Locus of Control
For the Intervention group, there was a statistically significant increase in overall internal locus of control from before (M = 3.6, SD = 0.6) to after (M = 2.9, SD = 0.6) the intervention, t(12) = 2.71, p = .019, Cohen’s d = 0.75, 95% CI [0.12, 1.36].
For the Control group, the difference (baseline M = 3.6, SD = 0.8, post intervention M = 3.7, SD = 0.8) was not statistically significant, t(8) = −0.13,p = .900, Cohen’s d = .04, 95% CI [-0.61, 0.70].
When specifically examining the internal subscale, there was a statistically significant increase in internal locus of control from baseline (M = 4.5, SD = 0.9) to after (M = 4.8, SD = 0.8) the intervention for the Intervention group, t(12) = 2.38, p = .035, Cohen’s d = 0.66, 95% CI [0.05, 1.25].
It was not statistically significant for the Control group, (baseline M = 4.7, SD = 1.0, post-intervention M = 4.6, SD = 1.2, t(8) = 0.13, p = .900, Cohen’s d = -0.23, 95% CI [-0.89, 0.44].
Participants feel more empowered and in control of their LBP when using the Hip Hook for four weeks, when no changes were observed in locus of control in the Control group.
Impact on Acute Pain
The Intervention group on average, reported there was a significant decrease in pain levels from before (M=2.6, SD=1.6) to after a single use of the Hip Hook (M=1.9, SD=1.2), T(13)=-2.62, P=0.021, Cohen’s d=-0.70, 95% CI [-1.28,-0.10].
Acute Muscle Tension: The Intervention group on average, reported there was a significant decrease in pain levels from before (M=4.1, SD=2.02) to after a single use of the Hip Hook (M=3.1, SD=2.23), T(13)=-3.89, P=0.002, Cohen’s d=-1.04, 95% CI [-1.69,-0.37].
One of the standout findings was that after just one session, participants using the Hip Hook experienced a 27% reduction in pain and a 24% reduction in muscle tension. While the Control group saw a reduction in these measures, they did not reach statistical significance.
These immediate benefits highlight the device’s ability to quickly target areas of discomfort, offering rapid relief from muscle tightness and pain commonly associated with lower back issues.
Summary of Acute Effects
60%
of participants experienced less pain after one use of the Hip Hook.
75%
of participants experienced less muscle tension after one use of the Hip Hook.
27%
pain reduction after one use of the Hip Hook.
24%
reduction in muscle tension after one use of the Hip Hook.
Impact on Chronic Pain
For the Intervention group, there was a statistically significant reduction in average pain levels when comparing baseline (M = 2.6, SD = 1.5) and intervention phases (M = 2.1, SD = 1.8), t(13) = -2.21, p = .046, Cohen’s d = -0.59, 95% CI [-1.15, -0.01]. Although average daily pain increased back to baseline levels in the washout phase on average (intervention M = 2.4, SD = 2.0, washout M = 2.6, SD = 2.0), the difference was not statistically significant, t(11) = 0.54, p = .598, Cohen’s d = 0.16, 95% CI [-0.42, 0.72]. For the Control group, there was no statistically significant difference in average pain levels from baseline (M = 2.9, SD = 1.8) to during the intervention (M = 2.7, SD = 1.4) , t(8) = -0.54, p =.602, Cohen’s d = -0.18, 95% CI [-0.83, 0.48].
Pain relief lasted for up to two weeks after the study ended, with participants continuing to feel less discomfort in their lower back even when they stopped using the device. The Control group did not experience this sustained effect.
Insights and Implications
This external validation study demonstrated that the Hip Hook is effective in reducing pain, alleviating muscle tension, and improving sleep quality in individuals with chronic LBP. These findings align with a growing body of literature that highlights the benefits of targeted interventions for musculoskeletal health and functional improvements in people with LBP.
Pain Reduction and Muscle Tension Relief
The significant reduction in pain and muscle tension observed after both acute and chronic use of the Hip Hook aligns with studies emphasizing the role of targeted myofascial release and hip flexor interventions in LBP management. Tightness in the psoas and iliacus muscles is often linked to lumbar pain, and tools targeting these muscles can improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and enhance physical function.
Sleep Quality Improvements
The improvements in sleep duration and efficiency align with research showing that pain reduction leads to better sleep. Chronic pain disrupts sleep, creating a harmful cycle. By easing pain and tension, the Hip Hook may have helped participants achieve more restorative sleep, similar to other interventions that support physical recovery and autonomic balance.
Physical Activity Maintenance
Participants using the Hip Hook maintained their baseline physical activity levels throughout the Insights and Implications study, unlike the Control group, which showed declines. This finding supports previous research indicating that pain relief and improved mobility help prevent the deconditioning associated with chronic pain. Continued physical activity is key to preventing functional decline in individuals with LBP.
Holistic Approach to LBP Management
The improvements in pain, muscle function, and sleep quality highlight the importance of addressing both physical and biopsychosocial factors in LBP management. The Hip Hook offers a patient-centered approach, providing targeted mechanical interventions that empower individuals to manage their symptoms independently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hip Hook (Mark) presents a promising, evidence-based solution for managing chronic LBP by providing targeted relief and enhancing mobility, sleep, and physical function.
By addressing both physical and psychological factors, it supports a holistic approach to LBP treatment that improves quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
Its ability to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, improve sleep, and maintain physical activity underscores its potential as a comprehensive tool for managing chronic LBP and promoting long-term well-being.
Study Limitations
Sample Size and Generalization
The relatively small sample size (n = 25) limits the generalization of the results. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore subgroup variations in pain severity, age, and gender.
Study Duration
The six-week study duration, including a two-week washout phase, may have been too short to observe long-term changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Longer follow-up periods are needed to assess sustained physiological and subjective effects.
Intervention Protocol
The protocol of 90-second sessions, three times per week, may not represent the optimal frequency or duration for maximum benefits. Future research should test different treatment parameters for faster or more significant improvements.
Limited Population Scope
This study focused on individuals with chronic LBP, limiting understanding of the Hip Hook's effects on asymptomatic or healthy populations. Future studies should include these groups to explore its broader applications, such as injury prevention or athletic performance.
Measurement of ANS Activity
While ANS metrics were measured, changes in heart rate variability (HRV) may require longer interventions to manifest. More focused and extended monitoring of ANS activity is needed to better capture these effects.
Potential Bias in Self-Reported Measures
Self-reported outcomes, such as pain and sleep quality, could be subject to participant bias. Future studies should incorporate more objective pain assessments to improve reliability.
Participant Demographics
The study’s sample was homogeneous in age and location, which limits its applicability to more diverse populations. Expanding the demographic range would help determine if the Hip Hook has different effects based on age, ethnicity, or socio-economic factors.
Conclusion
Despite these limitations, this study provides a solid foundation for the Hip Hook as a potential treatment for chronic LBP. Future research with larger, more diverse samples and varied protocols will help clarify its broader clinical benefits.
References
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