THE EFFICACY OF THE ‘BACK TO FITNESS’ CLASS FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: European guidelines recommend supervised group exercise for treating large groups of non specific low back pain patients. The class was established in Beaumont Hospital in 2006 and consists of an eight week supervised exercise programme and workshops in management of chronic low back pain using a bio psychosocial model. The purpose of this six month audit was to assess the outcomes of patients who attended a ‘Back to Fitness’ programme two years after it was set up.

Methods: Data was analysed using Data Desk ©. Demographic details were detailed for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and number of classes attended. Pre- class and post class comparisons were made using the Wilcoxin signed-ranks test for the SF- 36, Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire (ODI), Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scores.

Results: Twenty one patients (17 female and 4 male) started the programme, mean age was 49 years (SD= 9.6) and mean BMI was 31.6 kg/m². The average class attendance was five and 62% completed the programme. Significant improvements were reported in SF 36 (p< 0.0001), ODI (p=0.0078) and pain intensity (p=0.03). The FABQ showed an improvement post class (pre-class mean= 17.89, SD= 3.55, post class mean= 12.57, SD= 6.78 (p=0.27)).

Conclusion: The Back to Fitness class continues to be an effective treatment in the management of chronic low back pain. Analysis of the FABQ in a larger sample may show significant changes post intervention.