Neck Pain: Goal Setting vs. PT
Reference:Pool JJ, et al Is a behavioral graded activity program more effective than manual therapy in patients with subacute neck pain? Results of a randomized clinical trial. Spine 2010 May 1;35(10):1017-24.
There is strong evidence to support the use of manual therapy in combination with exercises in helping patients with neck pain. What if instead of PT, patients were put on a graded behavioral activity (GBA) program?
What is GBA? The GBA program is a form of goal setting and achievement process based on a time-contingent increase in activities from baseline toward predetermined goals.
This RCT involved patients with sub-acute nonspecific neck pain; after one year they demonstrated that compared to PT, improvements in pain and disability, slightly favored the graded behavioral activity program.
It should be said though that in comparison to PT, GBA was not more cost-effective.
Clinical Relevance: All the specific exercises and mobs we do on patients’ necks are fine, but do not underestimate the value of goal setting and focus on graded activities and returning to function.
Get a copy of a sample goal-setting sheet on www.aptei.com “Clinical Articles”
Posted on: December 20, 2013
Categories: Cervical Spine
