A physiotherapy survey to investigate the use of exercise therapy and group exercise programmes for management of non-specific chronic low back pain

Abstract Objectives To establish exercise prescription by individual therapists as well as the type and content of group exercise programmes used in clinical practice for management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Introduction Group exercise programmes are a cost-effective treatment for managing CLBP but lack individualized exercise and education specific to the patient. Those patients for whom English is not their first language may be excluded from attending these programmes. Methods One hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were sent to 15 physiotherapy departments using convenience sampling within the Greater London area including 2 in independent practice. Closed questions and free response spaces provided were used to obtain information on exercise prescription and the content of group exercise programmes. Results There was a 63% response rate. Stretching, core stability, and lumbar stabilization were the most frequently used exercise types by individual therapists. Ninety seven percent of respondents utilized group programmes. Only 47% of all respondents were able to refer non-English speaking patients to the group programmes. The most frequently used group exercise was the Back to Fitness Programme. Group programmes generally lacked individualized exercises and education given on an individual basis. None of the group programmes offered manual therapy. Conclusions An alternative group physiotherapy programme should be considered alongside current programmes consisting of an individualized multimodal exercise programme carried over from the referring therapist. This group programme would consist of individual education sessions and manual therapy if appropriate. This would allow interpreters to be arranged for patients for whom English is not their first language.