Pre‐program function predicts outcomes in workers’ compensation post‐lumbar fusion patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if pre-program function could predict functional outcomes following a sports performance based rehabilitation program in workers’ compensation patients (n=63). PDL was measured at program start (PDL1) and completion (PDL2). PDL was classified by occasional occupational lifting requirements: LIGHT (L; 20lbs), LIGHT-MEDIUM (LM; 35lbs), MEDIUM (M; 50 lbs), MEDIUM-HEAVY (MH; 75lbs), HEAVY (H; 100lbs), VERY HEAVY (VH; >100lbs). For analysis, PDL was assigned a numerical value: L=1, LM=2, M=3, MH=4, H=5, VH=6. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze relationships between PDL. Fisher’s Exact Test was used for post-hoc analysis. Pooled comparisons were analyzed by a Student’s t-test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Data are mean±SD. PDL1: L=2, LM=42, M=10, MH=6, H=2, VH=1. PDL2: L=1, LM=1, M=11, MH=25, H=7, VH=20. When grouped by PDL1, PDL2 did not vary between groups (p=0.0574), therefore L and LM (L/LM, n=44) were pooled along with M, MH, H, and VH (M/H, n=19). After pooling, PDL2 varied between L/LM and M/H groups (p=0.0225). The number of rehabilitation sessions also varied between L/LM and M/H groups (36±22 v 32±11 respectively). These results indicate that preprogram screening can be used to predict functional outcomes following rehabilitation. In addition, these results indicate that patients starting at lower functional levels require additional rehabilitation sessions to achieve similar outcomes.