S Murphy1, C Blake, C K Power, B M Fullen. 1. School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, susane.murph@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) can prove resistant to treatment. Conservative management in form of education and exercise is advocated as a first-line treatment option. The format of exercise programmes varies, as does the scale of improvement. Individual and group models of care are commonly utilised. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of a group education/exercise intervention in a cohort of patients with LBP in a teaching hospital in the south east of Ireland. In addition, the study explores which factors are predictive of a positive outcome. METHODS: Patients aged 18-65 years with LBP > 6 months, who completed the programme between January 2008 and December 2010 were included. Outcome measures were coded, entered into PASW 18 and cleaned. Pre and post scores were analysed with paired t tests and χ (2) analysis. Multiple regression modelling was used to determine which baseline variables were independent predictors of positive outcome. RESULTS: In total, 668 patients completed the programme. The mean age of patients was 45.9 ± 11.3 years and the majority of patients (69 %) were female. Three months post programme, significant improvements in all self report and objective physical measures were demonstrated (p < 0.001). Factors associated with a positive outcome included lower levels of baseline disability and distress, less baseline functional impairment, shorter duration of symptoms and not being involved in litigation. CONCLUSION: This group-based education/exercise programme proved effective in terms of decreasing pain, improving physical function and improving psychosocial status. Identifying factors predictive of positive outcome may help maximise patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Low back pain (LBP) can prove resistant to treatment. Conservative management in form of education and exercise is advocated as a first-line treatment option. The format of exercise programmes varies, as does the scale of improvement. Individual and group models of care are commonly utilised. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of a group education/exercise intervention in a cohort of patients with LBP in a teaching hospital in the south east of Ireland. In addition, the study explores which factors are predictive of a positive outcome. METHODS:Patients aged 18-65 years with LBP > 6 months, who completed the programme between January 2008 and December 2010 were included. Outcome measures were coded, entered into PASW 18 and cleaned. Pre and post scores were analysed with paired t tests and χ (2) analysis. Multiple regression modelling was used to determine which baseline variables were independent predictors of positive outcome. RESULTS: In total, 668 patients completed the programme. The mean age of patients was 45.9 ± 11.3 years and the majority of patients (69 %) were female. Three months post programme, significant improvements in all self report and objective physical measures were demonstrated (p < 0.001). Factors associated with a positive outcome included lower levels of baseline disability and distress, less baseline functional impairment, shorter duration of symptoms and not being involved in litigation. CONCLUSION: This group-based education/exercise programme proved effective in terms of decreasing pain, improving physical function and improving psychosocial status. Identifying factors predictive of positive outcome may help maximise patient outcomes.
Authors: Mirca Marini; Benedetta Bendinelli; Melania Assedi; Daniela Occhini; Maria Castaldo; Jacopo Fabiano; Marco Petranelli; Mario Migliolo; Marco Monaci; Giovanna Masala Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-05-10 Impact factor: 3.240