The outcome of a functional restoration programme for chronic low back pain.
BACKGROUND
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes have been successfully advocated for chronic low back pain.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to establish the functional and vocational outcome of a 3-week functional restoration programme.


METHODS
IV, Uncontrolled clinical series.


METHODS
One hundred and eighteen chronic low back pain patients underwent a 100-h programme consisting of back exercises, hydrotherapy, gymnasium work education and cognitive behavioural therapy.


METHODS
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland Morris (RM), 'patient global assessment tool' and work status scores were completed pre-programme and at least 1 year post programme.


RESULTS
The ODI score improved by 15.6% (95% CI 11.8-19.4) and RM score by 4.6 points (95% CI 3.6-5.6). The proportion of patients who were seriously affected in the workplace had dropped from 59 to 22%. More than 85% of patients were satisfied with the outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional restoration programme improves the functional activity and vocational status of patients with chronic low back pain.
Sivan
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Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK. drmanojsivan@yahoo.com
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004651:Employment; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult