Early access to physical therapy treatment for subacute low back pain in primary health care: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Nordeman, Lena, Nilsson, Bjorn, Moller, Margareta, and Gunnarsson, Ronny (2006) Early access to physical therapy treatment for subacute low back pain in primary health care: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Clinical Journal of Pain, 22 (6). pp. 505-511.

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Abstract

To evaluate the effects of early access (EA) to physical therapy treatment for patients with subacute low back pain compared to access with a 4-week waiting list.

DESIGN: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

SETTING: Primary health care.

PATIENTS: Sixty consecutive patients with subacute low back pain.

INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized either to EA within 2 days for physical examination and individualized physical therapy treatment (n=32) or a control group with a 4-week waiting list (n=28).

OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-administrated questionnaires were used for assessment at inclusion, at discharge, and at 6 months. Primary outcome measure was pain intensity assessed by Borg category scale for ratings of perceived pain. Secondary outcomes included the Orebro musculoskeletal pain screening questionnaire, the Roland and Morris disability questionnaire, sick-leave, visits to health care, and physical therapy.

RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences in pain between the groups at discharge. At 6 months, the reduction of pain was significantly greater in the EA group compared to the control group (P=0.025). Changes in secondary outcome measures were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that EA to physical therapy resulted in greater improvement in perceived pain at 6 months compared to later access. In this study, EA to physical therapy could be introduced by reorganization without additional resources.

Item ID: 30755
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1536-5409
Keywords: back pain, subacute, physical therapy, early access
Funders: Medical Care Executive Board of the Västra Götaland Region
Date Deposited: 24 Feb 2014 02:03
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110314 Orthopaedics @ 10%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 40%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111708 Health and Community Services @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920116 Skeletal System and Disorders (incl. Arthritis) @ 30%
92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920201 Allied Health Therapies (excl. Mental Health Services) @ 30%
92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920207 Health Policy Evaluation @ 40%
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