EXAMINING PAIN REDUCTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES WITH FAR-INFRARED GRAPHENE-BASED THERMOTHERAPY IN LOW BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT

Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues, affecting more than 80% of adults worldwide. Thermotherapy including heat wrap and dry sauna has long been utilized for pain relief and relaxation. Far-infrared graphene-based thermography is a heat therapy method where the graphene emits far-infrared rays that can penetrate human skin. However, its effects remain largely unstudied compared to conventional thermotherapy. This study investigates the impact of far-infrared graphene-based thermotherapy on healthy individuals and individuals associated with nonspecific low back pain. Over four sessions, 24 subjects undergo 30 min treatments, with measurements including body heat profiles, blood oxygen levels, joint angles, pain scales, and Oswestry scores. Results indicate increased body heat and blood oxygen levels post-treatment, alongside significant reductions in pain scores. However, changes in joint angles were not statistically significant, suggesting no immediate impact on locomotion. In conclusion, far-infrared graphene-based thermotherapy shows promise for pain relief and improved blood oxygenation, however, it has not been proven to improve locomotion.