Goal Setting & Chronic LBP

Reference:Evans L, Hardy L. Injury rehabilitation: a goal-setting intervention study. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2002 Sep;73(3):310-9. & Reference: Coppack RJ et al Use of a goal setting intervention to increase adherence to low back pain rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2012 Nov;26(11):1032-42.

A 2002 study showed that athletes in rehabilitation who were given a specific goal-setting intervention had significantly greater self-efficacy and adherence to their exercises.

A few other studies have demonstrated the value of goal setting during the course of rehabilitation, however this practice may sometimes be underutilized by PTs.

This 2012 study examined the value of a goal setting intervention on UK military personnel presenting with chronic low back pain.

Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups

(i) Goal setting group (GS)
(ii) Therapist-led exercise group (PT)
(iii) Independent exercise group (IE)

All three groups were provided with the same standardized exercise program for three weeks.

Result #1: Self-efficacy was significantly higher in the GS group compared to both PT and IE

Result #2: Adherence scores were significantly higher in the GS group than the IE group.

Result #3: Treatment outcomes were not significantly different between the three groups.

Clinical Conclusions: Goal setting may help improve adherence and compliance to an exercise program in patients with chronic low back pain.

I personally use a modified version of the Patient Specific Functional Scale both as an outcome measure and as a method to set goals. If you wish to print a copy simply visit www.aptei.com “Clinical Articles”

Posted on: December 16, 2012

Categories: Lumbar Spine