Results of a self-management program added to standard physical therapy in chronic neck pain

Riassunto dello studio

Fifty-three patients with chronic neck pain were randomized to receive 4 weeks of physical therapy with the addition of a self-management program (n=27) or alone (n=26). The primary outcome of interest was the Neck Disability Index (NDI), assessed post-intervention and at 3 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes of interest included the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire, EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) quality of life questionnaire, and EQ-5D Visual Analogue Score (VAS) score. Results revealed significantly favourable NDI scores in the self-management group compared to the control group at 3 months follow-up only (p=0.032). FABQ physical scores, BPI interference scores, EQ Daily activities score, and EQ-VAS score were significantly in favour of the self-management group both post-intervention and at 3 months follow-up (p<0.05 for all). Also, the BPI severity score was significantly in favour of the self-management group at post-intervention only (p=0.03). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for all remaining outcomes.