Also in this section

• Back Pain
• The effect of a specific exercise program for patients with acute low back pain
• Tai Chi for long-term low back pain
• Chronic Whiplash Exercise Trial
• Paracetamol for Low Back Pain (PACE)
• The effect of motor control exercise versus placebo in patients with chronic low back pain
• Prediction of chronicity following whiplash injury
• Motor control or graded activity exercise for chronic low back pain? A randomised controlled trial

The effect of a specific exercise program for patients with acute low back pain

Aims and Significance

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a specific exercise program based on the McKenzie method for patients with acute non-specific low back pain in primary medical care.

Methods

One hundred and forty-eight participants were randomly allocated to receive primary medical care and a 3-week specific exercise program or primary medical care alone. Measures of outcomes were obtained at 1 week, 3 weeks and 3 months after randomisation. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and global perceived effect. Secondary outcomes included measures of function, disability and recovery.

Current Status

Completed (awaiting publication). The trial protocol can be viewed at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/6/50

Funding Agencies

• University of Sydney Research & Development Grant

Researchers

• Luciana Machado
• Chris Maher
• Rob Herbert
• Helen Clare
• James McAuley