David Høyrup Christiansen

One-Year Follow-Up in Employees Sick-Listed Because of Low Back Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Multidisciplinary and Brief Intervention

Study Design. Randomized clinical trial comparing two interventions in employees sick-listed 3 to 16 weeks because of low back pain (LBP). Objective. To compare 1-year return to work (RTW), pain, disability and physical and mental health dimensions in subjects offered a hospital-based multidisciplinary intervention or a brief intervention. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies in sick-listed employees with LBP have indicated efficacy of both brief and more comprehensive multidisciplinary interventions. However, it remains unknown, which is the more effective, and which elements are instrumental in furthering RTW, and improving health. Methods. The brief intervention comprised clinical examination and advice offered by a rehabilitation physician and a physiotherapist. In the multidisciplinary intervention, this intervention was supplemented with the expertise of a team and the assignment of a case manager who drew up a rehabilitation plan in collaboration with the patient and the multidisciplinary team. One-year RTW was estimated by data from a comprehensive national database of social transfer payments. Questionnaires were used to obtain baseline and 1-year data on Roland Morris disability score, LBP Rating Scale, SF36, and fear-avoidance. Results. A total of 351 patients were included and randomized and 344 (98%) patients participated in all the consultations according to the study protocol. RTW was achieved by 125 (71.0%) participants in the multidisciplinary and 133 (76.0%) participants in the brief intervention group. The hazard ratio was 0.84 after adjustment for sex, age, smoking, compensation claims, disability score, and diagnosis (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–1.08,P = 0.18). Multiple linear regression analysis displayed no differences in secondary outcomes, except for the mental health score (SF36), which was a little higher in the multidisciplinary intervention group than in the brief intervention group. Conclusion. Hospital-based multidisciplinary intervention may be no better than brief intervention to increase RTW and improve health in sick-listed employees with low back pain.

Subgroup analyses on return to work in sick- listed employees with low back pain in a randomised trial comparing brief and multidisciplinary intervention

BackgroundMultidisciplinary intervention is recommended for rehabilitation of employees sick-listed for 4-12 weeks due to low back pain (LBP). However, comparison of a brief and a multidisciplinary intervention in a randomised comparative trial of sick-listed employees showed similar return to work (RTW) rates in the two groups. The aim of the present study was to identify subgroups, primarily defined by work-related baseline factors that would benefit more from the multidisciplinary intervention than from the brief intervention.MethodsA total of 351 employees sick-listed for 3-16 weeks due to LBP were recruited from their general practitioners. They received a brief or a multidisciplinary intervention. Both interventions comprised clinical examination and advice by a rehabilitation doctor and a physiotherapist. The multidisciplinary intervention also comprised assignment of a case manager, who made a rehabilitation plan in collaboration with the patient and a multidisciplinary team. Using data from a national database, we defined RTW as no sickness compensation benefit disbursement for four consecutive weeks within the first year after the intervention. At the first interview in the clinic, it was ensured that sick leave was primarily due to low back problems.Questionnaires were used to obtain data on health, disability, demographic and workplace-related factors. Cox hazard regression analyses were used with RTW as outcome measure and hazard rate ratios (HRR = HRmultidisciplinary/HRbrief) were adjusted for demographic and health-related variables. An interaction term consisting of a baseline variable*intervention group was added to the multivariable regression model to analyse whether the effects of the interventions were moderated by the baseline factor. Subsequently, a new study was performed that included 120 patients who followed the same protocol. This group was analyzed in the same way to verify the findings from the original study group.ResultsThe multidisciplinary intervention group ensured a quicker RTW than the brief intervention group in a subgroup with low job satisfaction, notably when claimants were excluded. The opposite effect was seen in the subgroup with high job satisfaction. When claimants were excluded, the effect was also in favour of the multidisciplinary intervention in subgroups characterised by no influence on work planning and groups at risk of losing their job. Inversely, the effect was in favour of the brief intervention in the subgroups who were able to influence the planning of their work and who had no risk of losing their job due to current sick leave. Interaction analysis of the data in the new study displayed similar or even more pronounced differences between subgroups in relation to intervention type.ConclusionsMultidisciplinary intervention seemed more effective than brief intervention in subgroups of patients with low job satisfaction, no influence on work planning and feeling at risk of losing their jobs due to their sick leave as compared with subgroups not fulfilling these criteria.

Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Change: A Comparison Between 2 Shoulder Outcome Measures

Study Design A prospective cohort study nested in a randomized controlled trial. Objectives To determine and compare responsiveness and minimal clinically important change of the modified Constant score (CS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Background The OSS and the CS are commonly used to assess shoulder outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the measurement properties of the OSS and CS in terms of responsiveness and minimal clinically important change. Methods The study included 126 patients who reported having difficulty returning to usual activities 8 to 12 weeks after arthroscopic decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome. The assessment at baseline and at 3 months included the OSS, the CS, and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) index. Responsiveness was assessed as follows: by correlation analysis between the change scores of the OSS, CS, and EQ-5D-3L index, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale; by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using the PGIC scale as an external anchor; and by effect-size statistics. Results At 3 months, a follow-up assessment of 112 patients (89%) was conducted. The change scores of the CS and the OSS were more strongly correlated with the external anchor (PGIC scale) than the change score of the EQ-5D-3L index. The areas under the ROC curves exceeded 0.80 for both shoulder scores, with no significant differences between them, and comparable effect-size estimates were observed for the CS and the OSS. Minimal clinically important change ROC values were 6 points for the OSS and 11 points for the CS, with upper 95% cutoff limits of 12 and 22 points, respectively. Conclusion The CS and the OSS were both suitable for assessing improvement after decompression surgery.

Cross-cultural adaption and measurement properties of the Danish version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index

Objective: To cross-culturally adapt the Danish version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and to evaluate its measurement properties in terms of reliability and known-group validity. Design: Test–retest study. Setting: Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Regional Hospital Herning, Denmark. Subjects: Consecutive shoulder patients referred to an outpatient clinic. Methods: The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index was translated from English into Danish according to international guidelines. The questionnaire was posted to patients one to two weeks before their scheduled clinical examination and repeated on the day of the examination. Results: A total of 65 patients with a variety of shoulder diagnoses were included in the study. No significant differences were found in scores between the first and the second questionnaire. The minimal detectable change was estimated to 19.4 points, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.94). Internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.94. The questionnaire was found to discriminate well between currently working and non-working patients. Conclusion: The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index provides a sensitive and reliable tool to assess pain and disability in Danish-speaking orthopaedic shoulder patients.

The Danish Version of the Modified Constant-Murley Shoulder Score: Reliability, Agreement, and Construct Validity

STUDY DESIGN Test-retest study. Objectives To assess the reliability, agreement, and validity of the Danish version of the modified Constant-Murley score (CMS). BACKGROUND Modified CMS guidelines were published in 2008. These modifications have recently been translated and cross-culturally adapted into a Danish version. However, the reliability and the validity of this version have yet to be established. METHODS A total of 45 patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were examined by 2 raters using the modified version of the CMS and a questionnaire that included the Oxford shoulder score. Both raters had a minimum of experience using the CMS. Intrarater and interrater agreement and reliability were examined and compared. Construct validity was assessed by the correlation between the scores of the CMS and the Oxford shoulder score. RESULTS The minimal detectable change was estimated to be 13 and 11 points for raters A and B, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 for rater A and 0.95 for rater B. Interrater comparison demonstrated a minimal detectable change of 12 points and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94. The correlation coefficient between the CMS and the Oxford shoulder score was 0.76. CONCLUSION The intrarater and interrater reliability and agreement of the Danish version of the modified CMS were found to be acceptable, and construct validity was confirmed.

Pain Response Classification Does Not Predict Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Low Back Pain Who Are Sick-Listed

STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study nested in a randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognostic value of pain response classification at initial physiotherapy examination in patients with low back pain (LBP) who are sick-listed. BACKGROUND Recurrent and chronic LBP accounts for a substantial proportion of all absence from work. In predicting outcome in patients with LBP, psychosocial factors are thought to play an important role, while findings from clinical examination seem to be of more limited value. Mechanical evaluation, using repeated end range spinal movements that result in specific pain responses, has been shown to be of some value. METHODS The study included 351 patients sick-listed because of LBP with or without sciatica. Prior to clinical examination, the patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire including questions on pain, function, and psychosocial factors. The physiotherapy examination included a standardized mechanical evaluation. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to their pain response: centralization, peripheralization, or no response. Outcomes were obtained by national register data, medical records, and a postal questionnaire at 1 year. RESULTS At 1-year follow-up, 65% of the patients had returned to work. All pain response groups showed significant and clinically important improvements in both pain and disability. No significant differences were found between pain response groups in any outcome measure. Results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION The prognostic value of pain response classification seems limited in patients sick-listed from work because of LBP.

Specific or general exercise strategy for subacromial impingement syndrome–does it matter? A systematic literature review and meta analysis

BackgroundExercise is frequently suggested as a treatment option for patients presenting with symptoms of subacromial impingement syndrome. Some would argue implementing a specific exercise strategy with special focus on correction of kinematic deficits would be superior to general exercise strategy. There is however a lack of evidence comparing such exercise strategies to determine which is the most effective in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome. The aim of this review is to evaluate whether implementing specific exercise strategies involving resistive exercises are more effective than a general exercise strategy for the treatment of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.MethodsRandomized controlled trials were identified through an electronic search on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and PEDro. In addition, article reference lists and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched. Studies were considered eligible if they included interventions with resistive specific exercises as compared to general resistance exercise. Four reviewers assessed risk of bias and methodological quality guided by Cochrane recommendations. Results were synthesised qualitatively or quantitatively, where appropriate.ResultsSix randomized controlled trials were included with 231 participants who experienced symptoms of subacromial impingement syndrome. Four studies evaluated the effectiveness of specific scapular exercise strategy and two studies evaluated the effectiveness of specific proprioceptive strategy. Five studies were of moderate quality and one study was of low quality. No consistent statistical significant differences in outcomes between treatment groups were reported in the studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) for pain was SMD −0.19 (95% CI −0.61, 0.22) and SMD 0.30 (95% CI −0.16, 0.76) for function.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of specific resistive exercise strategies in the rehabilitation of subacromial impingement syndrome. More high quality research is needed to accurately assess this. This review provides suggestions on how to improve the methodological design of future studies in this area.

Effectiveness of Standardized Physical Therapy Exercises for Patients With Difficulty Returning to Usual Activities After Decompression Surgery for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Little is known about the effectiveness of exercise programs after decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome. For patients with difficulty returning to usual activities, special efforts may be needed to improve shoulder function. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness at 3 and 12 months of a standardized physical therapy exercise intervention compared with usual care in patients with difficulty returning to usual activities after subacromial decompression surgery. Design A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted. Setting The study was conducted in 6 public departments of orthopedic surgery, 2 departments of occupational medicine, and 2 physical therapy training centers in Central Denmark Region. Patients One hundred twenty-six patients reporting difficulty returning to usual activities at the postoperative clinical follow-up 8 to 12 weeks after subacromial decompression surgery participated. Intervention A standardized exercise program consisting of physical therapist–supervised individual training sessions and home training was used. Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure was the Oxford Shoulder Score. Secondary outcome measures were the Constant Score and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. Results At 3 and 12 months, follow-up data were obtained for 92% and 83% of the patients, respectively. Intention-to-treat analyses suggested a between-group difference on the Oxford Shoulder Score favoring the exercise group at 3 months, with an adjusted mean difference of 2.0 (95% confidence interval=−0.5, 4.6), and at 12 months, with an adjusted mean difference of 5.8 (95% confidence interval=2.8, 8.9). Significantly larger improvements for the exercise group were observed for most secondary and supplementary outcome measures. Limitations The nature of the exercise intervention did not allow blinding of patients and care providers. Conclusion The standardized physical therapy exercise intervention resulted in statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in shoulder pain and function at 12 months compared with usual care.

Physiotherapy after subacromial decompression surgery: development of a standardised exercise intervention

This paper describes the development and details of a standardised physiotherapy exercise intervention designed to address pain and disability in patients with difficulty returning to usual activities after arthroscopic decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome. To develop the intervention, the literature was reviewed with respect to the effectiveness of postoperative exercises, components of previous exercise programmes were extracted, and input from clinical physiotherapists in the field was obtained through a series of workshops. The physiotherapy exercise intervention is currently being evaluated within the framework of the Shoulder Intervention Project (ISRCTN55768749).

The Use of Physiotherapy among Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Impact of Sex, Socio-Demographic and Clinical Factors

Background Physiotherapy with exercises is generally recommended in the treatment of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Objective We aimed to investigate the use of physiotherapy in patients with SIS in Danish hospital settings as part of initial non-surgical treatment and after SIS-related surgery and to evaluate to which extent sex, socio-demographic and clinical factors predict the use of physiotherapy. Methods Using national health registers, we identified 57,311 patients who had a first hospital contact with a diagnosis of ICD-10, groups M75.1–75.9, 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2011. Records of physiotherapy were extracted within 52 weeks after first contact (or until surgery), and for surgically treated patients within 26 weeks after surgery. Predictors of the use of physiotherapy after first contact and after surgery were analysed as time-to-event. Results Within 52 weeks after first contact, 43% of the patients had physiotherapy and 30% underwent surgery. Within 26 weeks after surgery, 80% had a record of physiotherapy. After first contact and after surgery, exercise was part of physiotherapy in 65% and 84% of the patients, respectively. A public hospital contact, physiotherapy before hospital contact, administrative region, female sex, a diagnosis of other or unspecified disorders (M75.8-M75.9), and surgical procedure predicted higher use of physiotherapy. Low education level predicted slightly lower use of physiotherapy after first contact, but not after surgery. Conclusion In patients with SIS in Danish hospital settings, physiotherapy was more often used after surgery than as part of initial non-surgical treatment. The use of physiotherapy was less common among men than women, whereas unequal use of physiotherapy in relation to education level was not noticeable. The use of physiotherapy with exercises in initial non-surgical treatment was relatively limited.