Article

The aim of this cohort study was to identify early predictive factors
for a poor outcome of disability and pain 12- and 36-months after an intervention
in patients with recurrent low-back pain, currently at work. METHOD: Seventy-one
patients with recurrent low-back pain, all at work, seeking care in a primary
health care setting were included. Predictive indicators including demographic
data and health-related variables were derived from questionnaires pre- and post
intervention over eight weeks. The dependent outcome variables were perceived
disability and present pain at 12- and 36-months. RESULTS: Multivariate
regression analyses show that early data on poor self-efficacy for physical
activity, greater disability, and higher level of pain-ratings emerged as
independent predictors of a poor outcome of disability at 12 and 36 months.
Higher ratings of pain and poor self-efficacy appeared again as independent
predictors of a poor outcome of pain at the 12-month follow-up. Pain frequency
ratings predicted a poor outcome of pain at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
suggest that ratings of poor self-efficacy for physical activity, greater
disability, and pain-ratings, are the most consistent independent predictors of
long-term poor outcome of disability and pain. This indicates the importance of
screening for such factors to optimize the management of low-back pain. However,
larger studies in similar patient populations are needed to confirm these results.

Langue : ANGLAIS