The Effectiveness of Group-Based Physiotherapy-Led Behavioral Psychological Interventions on Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain

Group-based physiotherapy-led behavioral psychological interventions (GPBPIs) are an emerging treatment for chronic low back pain, but the efficacy of these interventions is uncertain. A review of relevant randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of GPBPIs on pain relief in adults with chronic low back pain. Literature databases, Google Scholar, bibliographies, and other relevant sources were searched. Thirteen intervention studies (13) published from 1998 to 2013 were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. In reviewing the short-(<6 mos), intermediate-(≥6 and <12 mos), and longer-term (≥12 mos) effects of GPBPIs, long-term follow-up evaluations showed large and significant effect sizes (standardized mean difference =-0.25, 95% confidence interval =-0.39 to-0.11, I ² = 38%, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients from GPBPIs group had the greater short-, intermediate-, and long-term pain reduction than patients on waiting listing or usual care group. Compared with other active treatments, GPBPIs showed a small but significant long-term pain reduction in patients with chronic low back pain (standardized mean difference =-0.18, 95% confidence interval =-0.35 to-0.01, I ² = 32%, P = 0.04). In general, GPBPIs may be an acceptable intervention to relieve pain intensity.