Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the state of, and change in, biopsycho-social health and
quality of life of patients after whiplash injury, before and after an inpatient
interdisciplinary pain management programme. METHODS: Observational, prospective
cohort study (n = 103) using medical record data and standardized
self-assessments to compare health state with general population norms and to
determine effects by means of standardized effect sizes. The therapy programme
consisted of drug adaptation, graded activity exercise, relaxation therapies, and
behavioural therapy. RESULTS: Compared with population norms, patients' health
was significantly deteriorated in all dimensions of the Short Form 36, depression
and anxiety at all examined times. After rehabilitation, pain improved by effect
sizes up to 0.65, function/role performance up to 0.87, vitality up to 0.67 and
coping up to 0.41. At the 6-month follow-up, these effects remained, with effect
sizes between 0.45 and 0.87. The median working capacity improved from 8 h per
week at baseline to 21 h at follow-ups. CONCLUSION:
The rehabilitation programme
showed moderate to large mid-term improvements in important health dimensions,
medication reduction and working capacity. Further controlled studies are
required to quantify and attribute these improvements more precisely.

Langue : ANGLAIS