Therapeutic and economic effects of multimodal back exercise: A controlled multicentre study.

Year: 2019  Country: Germany  Study Population: N=1829/495 (intervention group/control group)

Objective

To examine the cost-effectiveness of a 6-month multimodal back exercise (BE) program for non-specific back pain compared to standard treatment (ST).

Methods

36 training sessions in a span of 24 weeks. Training program consisted of dynamic strength training of the trunk stabilizers and neck muscles (F110, 120, 130, 140, and 150), functional exercises and stretching + home training program after intervention. Follow-up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Outcome measures: Medical costs (EUR), Graded Chronic Pain Status (GCPS).

Outcome

The BE program significantly reduced the most severe back pain and mean back pain parameters and the function parameters (impairment of daily work, days with pain) → Significant reduction in the mean value GCPS grade of 0.4 in BE compared with ST (2 years post intervention).

Difference in direct medical costs (total costs within two years post intervention) of BE and ST was 763 EUR (16 %), p=0.034 in favor of BE. The therapeutic and economic effects of the program increase with the grade of back pain.