Using work simulation to treat adults with back injuries

The Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques with Patients Who Have Chronic Low Back Pain

The effectiveness of two types of relaxation training methods—applied relaxation and applied relaxation with biofeedback—was evaluated. Forty women with chronic low back pain underwent initial, discharge, and follow-up assessments that used three measures from the McGill Pain Questionnaire. At discharge, both groups showed a similar improvement on two out of the three measures, that is, number of words chosen and pain rating index. At follow-up, the two treatment groups showed a similar decline on the number of words chosen measure. On the pain rating index measure, subjects in the applied relaxation with biofeedback treatment group maintained a significantly better improvement.

Adaptive Equipment: Its Effectiveness for People with Chronic Lower Back Pain

People with chronic lower back pain frequently have difficulty independently performing daily living tasks. The occupational therapist prescribes assistive devices and adaptive equipment to enhance independent performance of activities of daily living. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nine types of adaptive equipment prescribed for chronic lower back pain patients seen at a major hospital. Equipment effectiveness was evaluated using frequency of use and perceived benefit as the dependent measures. Forty subjects responded to a mailed questionnaire. Of the 120 pieces of equipment in possession, 87.5% were in use and 85% were considered to be of some benefit. The number of occupational therapy sessions was significantly associated with an increased frequency of use and perceived benefit of the adaptive equipment (p < .05).