Optimal Low-Frequency Parameter of Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Lower Back Pain: A Pilot Study

<b>Background</b>: The methodology of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) remains unclear. <b>Objective</b>: To determine the optimal stimulation frequency (3 Hz vs. 10 Hz) during the short-term application of US-guided PNM on the sciatic nerve, we assessed the therapeutic benefits, including pain reduction, hip passive internal rotation range of motion (IR-ROM), balance, and functionality, in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). <b>Methods</b>: Forty patients with LBP were randomly assigned to two groups, each receiving isolated percutaneous electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. One group received stimulation at 3 Hz, while the other received stimulation at 10 Hz. Pain intensity, hip passive IR-ROM, hip muscle strength, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured before and one week after the intervention. <b>Results</b>: Both interventions significantly reduced pain and improved ROM, balance, and functionality after one week (<i>p</i> = 0.001). However, significant between-group (treatment × time) differences were observed for pain intensity (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and flexion strength in the non-intervention limb (<i>p</i> = 0.01), though the effect size was small (η² = 0.1). <b>Conclusions</b>: US-guided PNM applied to the sciatic nerve was more effective at 3 Hz than at 10 Hz in relieving pain intensity in patients with LBP.