Study design: A randomized controlled trial.
Objective: To examine the effects of the back school program on quality of life in women with chronic low back pain.
Summary of background data: There is a controversial debate whether back school program might improve quality of life in back pain patients. This study aimed to address this issue.
Methods: One hundred and two eligible women were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The 2 groups including back school group who received the back school program plus medication (n = 50) and clinic group who received just medication (n = 52) were compared at 4 points in time. Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up using the SF-36 questionnaire. Repeated measures analysis was performed to compare quality of life scores in 2 groups.
Results: Quality of life scores were significantly different between 2 groups throughout the study (P < 0.0001) indicating a better quality of life among intervention group.
Conclusion: The back school program might improve the quality of life score in women with chronic low back pain.