ORIGINAL ARTICLES   Free access

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2009 March;45(1):31-6

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

A comparison of functional assessment instruments and work status in chronic back pain

Sivan M. ¹, Sell B. ², Sell P. ²

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Leicester, United Kingdom 2 Sketchley Hall Rehabilitation Centre Priory Health, Burbage, Leicesteshire, United Kingdom

Aim. The aim of this cross sectional study was to analyse whether low back pain (LBP) functional assessment instruments correlate well with work status measures.
Methods. This study was a cross sectional study that enrolled 375 patients with chronic LBP attending back pain outpatient clinics of a University Hospital and a specialist rehabilitation centre over a period of one year. The outcome scores measured were Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire. The effect of back pain on their work status was also recorded and correlated to the above instrument values.
Results. There was a only a modest correlation between work status and the three measured outcome scores, with the Spearman rank correlation being 0.47 for OMPQ, 0.43 for ODI and 0.39 for RMQ.
Conclusion. The studied standard LBP outcome measures and work status are not interchangeable. The impact on work status should not be assumed based on the severity of these outcome measures and should be recorded as a separate outcome measure in chronic low back pain.