Journal de la douleur et du soulagement

Abstrait

Effects of Group-based versus Individual-based Spinal Stability Exercises (SSE) on Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP): A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Ganiyu Sokunbi*, Hassan Bukar Gambo and Cephas Blasu

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of spinal stability exercises in physiotherapy management of back pain disorders. Physiotherapists traditionally can administer this exercise treatment either with the patient in group or one to one basis. There is dearth of information on the relative efficacy of group-based and individual-based spinal stabilisation exercise treatment approach. This raises the question of which method is more effective in symptom remediation and improvement in the health status of patients with chronic LBP?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of group-based and individual-based SSE on bodily pain, functional limitation, physical health and mental wellbeing of patients with chronic LBP. Method: Thirty-five participants with chronic LBP were randomly assigned to undergo a SSE twice weekly week for 8 consecutive weeks in a group setting, and 35 participants received the same SSE on an individual basis during the same period. Functional limitation was assessed with Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaires. Bodily pain, physical health and mental well-being were evaluated with Rand 36 questionnaire. Assessments were carried out preintervention, post-intervention and at 3-month follow up.

Results: Significant improvement in bodily pain, functional limitation, physical health and mental well-being were found in both the group-based SSE and individual-based SSE post intervention (P=0.00). Functional limitation did not show significant difference between the two groups post intervention (P=0.497). Friedman ANOVA showed significant within-group differences over time in bodily pain, functional limitation. Physical health and mental well-being over time (P=0.00) that favoured the group-based SSE.

Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that group-based spinal stabilisation exercise interventions, is more effective in reducing pain, improving physical health and mental well-being of patients with chronic LBP than individually-based programs.