RESUMO
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intermediate frequency pulse electrical stimulation combined with TCM directional drug penetration therapy in the treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. Totally 90 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who were treated between July 2018 and December 2021 in the hospital were selected according to randomized controlled trial design, and they were divided into the two groups through the random number table method, with 45 cases in each group. The control group was given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs+conventional intermittent traction + intermediate frequency pulse electrical stimulation, and the combined group was treated with TCM directional drug penetration therapy on the basis of the control group. Both groups were continuously treated for 1 month. The TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain degree. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were applied to assess the dysfunction degree and quality of life, and the clinical efficacy was assessed.Results:The total effective rate was 95.56% (43/45) in combined group and was 82.22% (37/45) in control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.05, P=0.044). The scores of lumbago pain, articular soreness, knee soreness and weakness and impaired activity and total score in combined group after treatment were lower than those in the control group ( t=18.40, 15.81, 15.40, 26.50, 59.575, P<0.01), and the JOA score was higher than that of the control group ( t=5.62, P<0.01), while the ODI score was lower than that of the control group ( t=9.43, P<0.01). The time-point effect and between-group effect of VAS score in combined group were lower than those in the control group with the extension of time ( F=240.00, 17.19, P<0.01), and there was an interaction effect between decrease and treatment method ( F=6.66, P<0.01). Conclusion:Intermediate frequency pulse electrical stimulation combined with TCM directional drug penetration therapy is helpful to relieve the pain, improve the lumbar dysfunction degree and enhance the quality of life and clinical efficacy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.