Study Design Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Background Patient perception of the benefits gained from treatment is important, yet satisfaction with the outcome of treatment for chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) has not been investigated. Objectives To investigate whether satisfaction with the outcome of treatment for chronic WAD changed over time, and whether there were group differences. Methods Two hundred sixteen people with chronic WAD (66% women; mean age, 40.4 years) participated in a 3-month program of physical therapist-led neck-specific exercises with or without a behavioral approach, or received a prescription of general physical activity. The main outcome was satisfaction with the outcome of treatment, assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months later. Additional outcomes were enablement and expectation fulfillment. Results Satisfaction improved over time in the 3 groups (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 1.20; P<.001). There was a significant group-by-time interaction (P<.001), with increased odds of being satisfied in the groups receiving neck-specific exercises compared to general physical activity. Enablement increased after completion of the intervention in all groups (P<.001). People who received neck-specific exercises reported greater enablement and expectation fulfillment than people prescribed general physical activity (P<.01). Conclusion Exercise interventions for chronic WAD led to increased satisfaction for 12 months following treatment that was unrelated to the type of exercise intervention received. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1b. Registered January 22, 2012 at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01528579). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(8):640-649. Epub 3 Jul 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6136.
Keywords: neck; physical therapy; rehabilitation; whiplash injury.