title: Functional restoration programs for low back pain: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In developed countries, chronic low back pain (LBP) is one the most common reasons for disability and work-time loss. Conventional treatments have not slowed the increasing prevalence of chronic LBP. Therefore, in a search for new solutions to the problem, functional restoration programs were developed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To synthesize the literature on the efficacy of functional restoration programs for LBP.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a systematic literature search of the MedLINE database using the keywords LBP, functional restoration, work-hardening program, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, aerobic, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The term "functional restoration" has been associated with a full-day multidisciplinary program lasting from 3 to 6 weeks. Results of most published controlled studies on the efficacy of functional restoration programs are positive regarding the return-to-work rate. Maintaining job status with the pre-injury employer is often best accomplished by the provision of suitable modified duties. Finally, results of functional restoration programs in terms of return-to-work rate probably depend strongly on the social security system of the country where the program was developed.
authors.affiliation: Service de rééducation et de réadaptation fonctionnelle de l'appareil locomoteur et des pathologies du rachis, groupe hospitalier Cochin, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, 75679 Paris cedex, France. serge.poiraudeau@cch.ap-hop-paris.fr
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poiraudeau
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rannou
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Revel
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function