Effectiveness of classification-based treatment for patients with chronic low back pain

Research background. The most prevalent question in treating low back pain is how to choose specifc treatment method not considering treatment strategy. Scientists and clinicians propose subgrouping because the group of low back pain in patients is heterogeneous. One of the classifcations proposed is treatment – based classifcation described by A. Delitto et al. (1995) which will be used in our research. We are going to use clinical prediction rules according to which we are supposed to choose specifc treatment method and improve treatment outcomes. Consequently the main point of our research is a strategy of treatment process. Methods. Sixty people with chronic low back pain participated in our study. The following factors were estimated in the research: intensity of pain using a scale of numbers, functional state using Roland–Morris disability questionnaire, lumbar range of motion with a Modifed–Modifed Schober test, static endurance of trunk muscles with 5 min endurance tests. Results. Low back pain intensity decreased in the experimental group after 4 days and in control group – after 9 days (p < 0.05). Functional disability and back muscles static endurance was better in the experimental group after 9 days compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Lumbar range of motion and abdomen muscle static endurance was not different between groups after physical therapy. Conclusion. Classifcation – based treatment strategy is effective in treating patients with chronic low back pain.Keywords: physical therapy, low back pain, classifcation