Does early intervention with a light mobilization program reduce long-term sick leave for low back pain?

E M Hagen; H R Eriksen; H Ursin

doi:10.1097/00007632-200008010-00017

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Does early intervention with a light mobilization program reduce long-term sick leave for low back pain?

E M Hagen·H R Eriksen·H Ursin

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Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A controlled randomized clinical trial was performed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a light mobilization program on the duration of sick leave for patients with subacute low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Early intervention with information, diagnostics, and light mobilization may be a cost-effective method for returning patients quickly to normal activity. In this experiment, patients were referred to a low back pain clinic and given this simple and systematic program as an outpatient treatment. METHODS: In this study, 457 patients sick-listed 8 to 12 weeks for low back pain, as recorded by the National Insurance Offices, were randomized into two groups: an intervention group (n = 237) and a control group (n = 220). The intervention group was examined at a spine clinic and given information and advice to stay active. The control group was not examined at the clinic, but was treated with conventional primary health care. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up assessment, 68.4% in the intervention group had returned to full-duty work, as compared with 56.4% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention with examination, information, and recommendations to stay active showed significant effects in reducing sick leave for patients with low back pain.

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Adolescent Adult Disability Evaluation Exercise Therapy Female Follow-Up Studies Humans Low Back Pain Lumbosacral Region Male Middle Aged Outpatients Patient Education as Topic Sick Leave Work Capacity Evaluation Workers' Compensation Clinical Trial Journal Article Randomized Controlled Trial

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E M Hagen, H R Eriksen, H Ursin. 2000-08-01. Does early intervention with a light mobilization program reduce long-term sick leave for low back pain?. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-200008010-00017

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