Recovery after minor traffic injuries: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of an acute multidisciplinary group intervention on self-perceived recovery following minor traffic-related musculoskeletal injuries.


METHODS
Open, randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
A large inner-city hospital.


METHODS
127 patients (> or = 15 y) with traffic-related acute minor musculoskeletal injuries and predicted to be at risk for delayed recovery were randomized into an intervention group (n = 65) or a control group (n = 62).


METHODS
Four 1 1/2-h sessions in open groups with the aim of providing information about injuries in general, calling attention to the importance of self-care and promoting physical activity. In addition, both groups received standard medical care by regular staff.


METHODS
The main outcome measure was self-reported recovery at 12 mo. Secondary outcome measures were ratings of functional health status (SF-36, SMFA), pain and mental distress on visual analog scales, and self-reported duration of sick leave.


RESULTS
At 12 mo, there was a 21.9 percentage point difference: 52.4% of the patients in the intervention group and 30.5% in the control group reported self-perceived recovery (95% confidence interval for the difference 5%-38%; p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the secondary outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple group intervention may accelerate the self-perceived recovery in selected patients. As we did not find evidence of improvements in the secondary outcome measures, the clinical significance of the treatment benefit remains to be defined.
Ottosson
Carin
C
Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. carin.ottosson@sodersjukhuset.se
Pettersson
Hans
H
Johansson
Sven-Erik
SE
Nyrén
Olof
O
Ponzer
Sari
S