A pragmatic randomized controlled trial to compare a novel group physiotherapy programme with a standard group exercise programme for managing chronic low back pain in primary care

Abstract

Objectives: To compare a novel group physiotherapy exercise programme with a standard programme for managing chronic low back pain (CLBP) in primary care.Introduction: Group exercise programmes used in physiotherapy practice are a cost effective treatment for managing CLBP but currently lack a combination of individualized specific exercises, one-to-one education and manual therapy. A novel group exercise programme was designed to address these limitations.Methods: The novel group exercise programme (Group A) was compared to a standard group exercise programme used in clinical practice (Group B) in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with focus groups. Participants with CLBP were allocated to the two programme groups by block randomization. Participants in both groups attended six one-hour programme sessions over a 3-month period. Outcomes measuring function (Functional Rating Index (FRI)), pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)), quality of life (EQ-5D) and satisfaction with treatment were used to ...