Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Anema, J. R., Steenstra, I. A., Bongers, P. M., de Vet, H. C. W., Knol, D. L., Loisel, P., & van Mechelen, W. (2007). Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for subacute low back pain: Graded activity or workplace intervention or both?: A randomized controlled trial. Spine, 32 (3), 291-298. |
| Title: | Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for subacute low back pain: Graded activity or workplace intervention or both?: A randomized controlled trial |
| Authors: | Anema, J. R., Steenstra, I. A., Bongers, P. M., de Vet, H. C. W., Knol, D. L., Loisel, P., & van Mechelen, W. |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Journal/Publication: | Spine |
| Publisher: | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000253604.90039.ad |
| Full text: | http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=http://journals.lww.com/spin... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | No |
| Research design: | Randomized controlled trial |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Low back pain (LBP) is the most common and expensive musculoskeletal disorder in industrialized countries. LBP is frequently associated with persistent or recurrent disability and absence from work. High costs are mainly due to sick leave and disability. Effective interventions for LBP are needed to prevent long-term disability and promote early and safe return to work. |
| Purpose: | To assess the effectiveness of workplace intervention and graded activity, separately and combined, for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of low back pain (LBP). |
| Setting: | The setting was Dutch occupational health services and physiotherapy centers. |
| Study sample: | Participants sick-listed 2 to 6 weeks due to nonspecific LBP were randomized to workplace intervention (n = 96) or usual care (n = 100). |
| Intervention: | The interventions were workplace assessment, work modifications, and case management. |
| Control or comparison condition: | The comparison was usual care. |
| Data collection and analysis: | Workplace intervention consisted of workplace assessment, work modifications, and case management involving all stakeholders. Participants still sick-listed at 8 weeks were randomized for graded activity (n = 55) or usual care (n = 57). Graded activity comprised biweekly 1-hour exercise sessions based on operant-conditioning principles. Outcomes were lasting return to work, pain intensity and functional status, assessed at baseline, and at 12, 26, and 52 weeks after the start of sick leave. |
| Findings: | Time until return to work for workers with workplace intervention was 77 versus 104 days (median) for workers without this intervention (P = 0.02). Workplace intervention was effective on return to work (hazard ratio = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.3; P = 0.002). Graded activity had a negative effect on return to work (hazard ratio = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3–0.6; P < 0.001) and functional status. Combined intervention had no effect. |
| Conclusions: | Workplace intervention is advised for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of subacute LBP. Graded activity or combined intervention is not advised. |
| Disabilities served: |
Chronic pain |
| Populations served: |
Gender: Female and Male |
| Interventions: |
On-the-job training and support Rehabilitation counseling Vocational assessment |
| Outcomes: |
Return to work Full-time employment Part-time employment |