title: Recovery after minor traffic injuries: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. carin.ottosson@sodersjukhuset.se
authors: Carin
authors: C
authors: Ottosson
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: Pettersson
authors: Sven-Erik
authors: SE
authors: Johansson
authors: Olof
authors: O
authors: Nyrén
authors: Sari
authors: S
authors: Ponzer