Article

Few data are available on predictors for a favorable outcome in
patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). PURPOSE: The aim of this
study was to assess prognostic factors for pain intensity, disability, return to
work, quality of life, and global perceived effect in patients with CNLBP at
short-term (6 months) follow-up. DATA SOURCES:
Relevant studies evaluating the prognosis of CNLBP were searched in PubMed,
CINAHL, and EMBASE (through March 2010). Study Selection Articles with all types
of study designs were included. Inclusion criteria were: participants were
patients with CNLBP (>/= 12 weeks' duration), participants were older than 18
years of age, and the study was related to prognostic factors for recovery.
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers
extracted the data and details of each study. DATA SYNTHESIS: A qualitative
analysis using "level of evidence" was performed for all included studies. Data
were summarized in tables and critically appraised. LIMITATIONS: The results of
the studies reviewed were limited by their methodological weaknesses.
CONCLUSIONS: At short-term follow-up, no association was found for the factors of
age and sex with the outcomes of pain intensity and disability. At long-term
follow-up, smoking had the same result. At long-term follow-up, pain intensity
and fear of movement had no association with disability. At short-term follow-up,
conflicting evidence was found for the association between the outcomes pain
intensity and disability and the factor of fear of movement. At long-term
follow-up, conflicting evidence was found for the factors of age, sex, and
physical job demands. At long-term follow-up, conflicting evidence also was found
for the association between return to work and age, sex, and activities of daily
living. At baseline, there was limited evidence of a positive influence of lower
pain intensity and physical job demands on return to work. No high-quality
studies were found for the outcomes of quality of life and global perceived effect.

Langue : ANGLAIS