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Evidence Summary (Updated 2022)
A Cochrane review concluded that physical conditioning interventions have a small positive effect on reducing sick leave in those with chronic low back pain at 12 months follow up (23). There was no effect in those with acute low back pain. In those with non-specific low back pain, there is good evidence of a moderate reduction in work disability with exercise interventions versus usual care, with long-term work disability reduced by 34% (24). However, the authors were unable to determine which of the different exercise interventions were most effective, and there was no significant effect observed in the short or medium term.
Quality of Evidence
Grade B – moderate quality
Strength of recommendation
Grade 1 – strong recommendation.
Conclusion
Long-term work absence in those with chronic low back pain is not uncommon, and physical activity interventions, ideally with biopsychosocial components, are likely to benefit many.
References
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