Effects of brief self-exercise education on the management of chronic low back pain: A community-based, randomized, parallel-group pragmatic trial
Hiroshige Jinnouchi, Ko Matsudaira, Akihiko Kitamura, Hironobu Kakihana, Hiroyuki Oka, Mina Hayama‐Terada, Kazumasa Yamagishi, Masahiko Kiyama, Hiroyasu Iso, for the CIRCS Investigators
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and assess additional effects of brief self-exercise education (brief-See) for individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The brief-See comprised 100-minute consultation, individualized self-exercise program, and direct short teaching. We conducted a 6-month, community-based, randomized, parallel-group trial in a community setting, and allocated into a brief-See or material-based education alone. Pain intensity (NRS, numeric rating scale), functional limitation (RDQ, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire), self-efficacy (PSEQ, pain self-efficacy questionnaire), and quality of life (EQ-5D, European quality of life-5 dimensions) were evaluated at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the initial consultation. The brief-See did not show additional improvement over material-based education on the NRS, but it did on the RDQ, PSEQ, and EQ-5D; the estimated mean group differences in changes from the baseline were −2.1 (–3.5 to −0.7, p = .005) on the RDQ, 6.9 (1.7–12.1, p = .010) on the PSEQ, and 0.07 (0.02–0.12, p = .004) on the EQ-5D. The 100 minutes’ education program could be more acceptable, and restores functional limitation, self-efficacy, and quality of life in addition to the effects of material-based education. This has the potential to contribute to the management of CLBP in a community.