| Author: | Lau, Mo-yee |
| Title: | The effectiveness of immediate physiotherapy intervention for patients with acute non-specific low back pain in an accident and emergency department |
| Degree: | DHSc |
| Year: | 2008 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations. Backache -- Physical therapy. Physical therapy. Emergency medicine. |
| Department: | Department of Health Technology and Informatics |
| Pages: | xix, 210 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Acute LBP is one of the commonest causes for patients seeking medical consultation. Yet, its symptoms, pathology, and radiological appearances are poorly correlated and the pain is non-specific in about 95% of the patients. In a local district hospital, physiotherapists had launched an immediate physiotherapy (PT) service in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED). This program targeted to alleviate pain, maximize function, minimize disability and reduce injury recurrence. Question: Did non-specific low back pain (LBP) patients treated with immediate PT intervention in an AED differ significantly at discharge, short-term and long-term follow-ups from those who received no PT intervention in an AED? Design: Single-blind, randomized, repeated measures control group design. Participants: Participants aged 18 years old or above and presented with acute non-specific LBP with or without associated leg pain. Methodology: One hundred and ten participants were randomly allocated into the intervention group (n=55) or control group (n=55) by random number tables method. Participants in the intervention group received immediate PT intervention, including reassurance, providing adequate information, mobility and gait training, advice on staying active, interferential therapy, back care and advice. Participants in the control group received no active PT intervention except the prescription of appropriate walking aids whenever indicated. All subjects received a course of PT outpatient department (OPD) intervention after discharged home from AED or in-patient hospitalization from the local district hospital. The first appointment to begin PT treatment in the PT OPD was arranged within 1 week upon discharge from the AED or hospital. The interaction and main effects between the intervention and control groups were analyzed by general linear model repeated measures analysis of variance. The level of significance (alpha) was set at 0.05 and Bonferroni criterion was used to control the family-wise error for multiple comparisons. Outcome measures: Primary outcomes included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Numeric Global Rating of Change Scale (NGRCS). Secondary outcomes included Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Modified Rivermead Mobility Index, Back Performance Scale, and Short Form 12v2 Health Survey. Measures were taken at baseline, at discharge from AED, initial PT outpatient session, at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month. Results: Participants in the intervention group had significantly lower pain score than those in the control group prior to discharge from the AED (mean difference: NPRS -1.58, 95%CI: -2.25 to -0.90, NGRCS: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.34 to 2.81). Reduction in pain score maintained till the first PT outpatient session (mean difference: NPRS: -0.87, 95%CI: -1.55 to -0.20). However, outcomes were similar for both groups at subsequent follow-ups. Conclusions: Immediate PT intervention was effective in reducing pain and improving self-perception of overall condition for patients with acute non-specific LBP in an AED and the effects gradually tailed off at follow-ups. This program was a pioneer project on re-engineering of PT service. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23216670.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 10.97 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4561