The outcome of a functional restoration programme for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes have been successfully advocated for chronic low back pain.

AIM: The aim of the study was to establish the functional and vocational outcome of a 3-week functional restoration programme.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Uncontrolled clinical series.

METHODS

One hundred and eighteen chronic low back pain patients underwent a 100-h programme consisting of back exercises, hydrotherapy, gymnasium work education and cognitive behavioural therapy.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland Morris (RM), 'patient global assessment tool' and work status scores were completed pre-programme and at least 1 year post programme.

RESULTS

The ODI score improved by 15.6% (95% CI 11.8-19.4) and RM score by 4.6 points (95% CI 3.6-5.6). The proportion of patients who were seriously affected in the workplace had dropped from 59 to 22%. More than 85% of patients were satisfied with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Functional restoration programme improves the functional activity and vocational status of patients with chronic low back pain.