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Effectiveness of Therapeutic Alliance and Minimal Intervention for Chronic Low Back Pain

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Low Back Pain
Interventions
Other: Control group
Behavioral: Positive Therapeutic Alliance
Behavioral: Usual care
Registration Number
NCT02497625
Lead Sponsor
Universidade Cidade de Sao Paulo
Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of minimal intervention and therapeutic alliance in pain, specific and general disability, global perceived effect, empathy, credibility and expectation of improvement in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain

Detailed Description

Low back pain remains a global public health problem. The classification of patients in low back pain subgroups aims to optimize the health system and provide the quantity and the type of proper technique for each patient. Several factors may influence physical therapy. The therapeutic alliance may be defined as harmony or social connection between the therapist and the patient and may influence the treatment effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the addition of the therapeutic alliance to a minimum intervention for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain with low risk of psychosocial factors.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
222
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Control groupControl groupPatients will not receive intervention in the first mo nth of enrollment. After a year, the treatment offered to the Positive Therapeutic Alliance or Usual Care group will be available for patients who are interested.
Positive Therapeutic AlliancePositive Therapeutic AllianceIntervention involving reassurance and information related to the return to daily activities, advice on dealing with the pain and clear explanation of signs and symptoms. The session will take 60 minutes and will be structured to increase the therapeutic alliance and empathy. Patients will be instructed to return in a week for further consultation to clarify doubts.
Usual CareUsual careInformation about low back pain based on Back Book. The therapy will be performed with limited interaction between patient and therapist and the information will be transmitted in a clear and direct way. The limited interaction between patient and therapist in this group will be established at the first session lasting 45-60 minutes. Patients will be instructed to return for a visit after a week to clarify questions.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain intensityOne month after randomization

Pain intensity will be measured by an 11-point Pain Numerical Rating Scale

Specific disabilityOne month after randomization

Specific disability associated with low back pain will be measured by the 11-point Patient Specific Functional Scale.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain intensitySix and twelve months after randomization

Pain intensity will be measured by an 11-point Pain Numerical Rating Scale

DisabilityOne, six and twelve months after randomization

Disability associated with low back pain will be measured by the 0-100 scale of the Oswestry Disability Index

Global impression of recoveryOne, six and twelve months after randomization

Global impression of recovery will be measured by an 11-point Global Perceived Effect Scale

Specific disabilitySix and twelve months after randomization

Specific disability associated with low back pain will be measured by the 11-point Patient Specific Functional Scale.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Physical Therapy Outpatient Department

🇧🇷

Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

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