Sixty-eight patients suffering from lower back pain of unknown origin participated in this research project for at least six weeks. The patients first completed questionnaires on their economic situation, were examined by a physician and asked to grade the level of lower back pain before and after treatment. They were subsequently divided into two random groups - one group received therapy with the Backlife device and another group who received therapy with a "placebo" Backlife device - a device that was disconnected from its internal propulsion system. The groups received therapy in separate rooms, in six treatment cycles with each session lasting approximately twelve minutes. Before and after each session the patients were asked to draw a subjective graph (Visual Analogue Scale -VAS) describing the intensity of their back pain. After six sessions the patients were again examined by a physician and asked to complete a questionnaire on their economic status. 58 participants completed the treatment sessions - 32 received Backlife therapy and 26 were in the placebo group.

Research results indicated a significant improvement in the degree of pain felt by the Backlife users compared with the control group. The results showed a statistical significance (α=0.037), which led the researchers to conclude that extended motorized movement is a technological and conceptual breakthrough in the treatment of lower back pain. Full details of the research will be published during 2003 in an edition of ‘Disorders of Spine’.

Dr Gapstein examined the effectivity of the device on 120 patients, before and after back surgery. Results of his observations indicated that most patients experienced a reduction in the intensity of pain and that no harm was sustained during use of the device, even in severe cases. Dr Gapstein’s conclusion was that the device has proved effective in the soothing of lower back pain and even found to be effective for use in patients after back surgery.

Ramot selected 56 patients based on stringent criteria: chronic back pain suffered by the patient for at least two years during which time they have experienced at least two attacks per year with a minimum of 10-days duration each and with the severity of pain defined as 6 out of 10, testifying to difficulties in daily functioning. At the same time a prior physiological examination was conducted in order to ascertain that the pain was focused mainly in the lower back area and affecting the lower limbs.

The observation was conducted in a manner similar to the clinical research conducted at Assaf Ha’rofe Hospital and included a physiological examination, a physical examination of range of movement, completion of a medical questionnaire and the drawing of three graphs (visual analogue scale - VAS) describing pain, daily functioning and the sensation of stress and pressure on the back. The patients were given a device for two weeks and required to use it at least twice a day for a period of 12 minutes for each session.

After two weeks the patients were again examined using the same parameters applied prior to the start of therapy. It was clarified beyond any doubt that personal treatment at home, without the presence of the physician or physiotherapist, also produces a high rate of success; above 80%.

Approximately 100 patients participated and were observed in a manner similar to the observations conducted in Israel. Results matched those achieved in Israel, pointing to high success rates. At the same time they gave a sweeping recommendation to integrate the device into the treatment of patients suffering from lower back pain. Examination of the device was integrated into the regular treatment of patients at the institute and was made an integral part of that treatment.