Abstract
The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was analysed the effects of percutaneous electrolysis versus electrical dry needling on pain, functionality, fear of movement and quality of live and sleep in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 64 patients with chronic low back pain (age 46.45 ± 10.5) were randomly assigned to percutaneous electrolysis on the lumbar nerve root of L3 to L5, or electrical dry needling on the trigger points. Both groups received once a week for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were pressure pain threshold and disability were the main, all outcomes were assessed at baseline, at 3, 6 and 10 weeks. The ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences for disability: F = 5.70, P = 0.005; pain: F = 7.42, P = 0.001; fear of movement: F = 4.24, P = 0.019; finger-to-floor distance test: F = 19.30, P < 0.001; and for daytime sleep: F = 3.14, P = 0.050; bodily pain: F = 5.03, P = 0.010; and total anxiety: F = 3.71, P = 0.030. In conclusion, the ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis on the lumbar nerve root of L3 to L5 was able to increase the pressure pain threshold, and decrease the pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, and finger-to-floor distance in individuals with chronic low back pain. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-45876-5.