Implementing evidence-based physiotherapy practice for treating children with low back pain: are we there yet?
OBJECTIVE
This article reports on the process used to appraise evidence-based physiotherapy practice when treating nonspecific low back pain (LBP) in children and adolescents.


METHODS
Best clinical practices were identified using 9 systematic reviews reporting on effectiveness of physiotherapy for individuals with nonspecific LBP. Fifty medical charts were reviewed to appraise practice.


RESULTS
All literature reviews reported solely on adult treatment, none included children or adolescents. Strong evidence supported the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises and education. There was insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of thermotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or ultrasound. Chart reviews indicated therapeutic exercises were prescribed for all 50 pediatric patients and postural education was provided to 48 patients. Eleven patients received thermotherapy, three received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and none was treated with ultrasound.


CONCLUSIONS
Published literature reviews enabled physiotherapists to appraise evidence-based practices. Clinical guidelines for treating nonspecific LBP in children and adolescents are needed.
Kosseim
Mylene
M
Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Rein
Rochelle
R
McShane
Cheryl
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome