Objective: The aim of this study was to compare exercise, continuous short-wave diathermy (SWD) and intermittent SWD treatment modalities and to evaluate the effects of these treatments on chronic back pain and depression. Methods: This study is an intervention trial which evaluated patients who applied to our clinic due to chronic low back pain between 2008-2009. The study group consisted of 90 patients between the ages of 40-65 who had had low back pain for more than 6 months. The patients were randomized into three groups. The first group received placebo short-wave diathermy, the second group received continuous short-wave diathermy, and the third group received pulsed short-wave diathermy. Pain was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Pain Disability Index (PDI).The Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire Form was used for the measurement of functional deficiency and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used for the evaluation of depression.All scales were performed before the treatment, immediately after treatment and 3 months after treatment. Results: Significant decreases in PDI and VAS scores were found in all groups (p
Key words: Chronic Low Back Pain Patients, Short-Wave Diathermy, Exercise on Depressive Affect.
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