Effectiveness of a Condensed Functional Restoration Program for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Study of 193 Patients

Effectiveness of a Condensed Functional Restoration Program for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Study of 193 Patients

The aim was to assess the effectiveness of a condensed functional restoration program (CFRP) for patients with chronic low back pain and professional activity.

Methods: Longitudinal 1 to 3 months study of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain in one tertiary care hospital, participating in a CFRP (complex interprofessional intervention over 4 days). The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (0-100 scale). Secondary outcomes included pain, quality of life (EQ5D), patient acceptable symptom state, presenteeism, absenteeism and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). Outcomes were compared using paired sample Student's t-test or Chi2 between baseline and last follow-up. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with better response (improvement of ODI higher than 12.8) and included baseline demographic, psychological and physical assessment variables.

Inclusion Criteria:

• non-specific cLBP (>3 months) with or without radicular pain, not currently in prolonged sick leave, no current indication for surgery, fluent in French, difficulties to maintain daily physical activity due to LBP with Oswestry Disability Index and lumbar and radicular pain at baseline and at end of intervention or 3-month follow-up available.

Exclusion Criteria:

• specific LBP and organic contraindication to physical exercise.