Karin Verkerk, Pim A.J. Luijsterburg, Annelies Pool-Goudzwaard, Martijn W. Heymans, Inge Ronchetti, Harald S. Miedema, Bart W. Koes
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rochussenstraat 198, 3015 EK Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: k.verkerk@hr.nl
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2006

Objective: To investigate the clinical course of, and prognostic factors for, work-participation in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Methods: A total of 1,608 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain received a multidisciplinary therapy and were evaluated at baseline and 2-, 5- and 12-month follow-ups. Recovery was defined as absolute recovery if the patient worked 90% of his contract hours at follow-up. Potential factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: Patients reported a mean increase in work-participation from 38% at baseline to 82% after 12 months. Prognostic factors for ≥ 90% work-participation at 5 months were being married (odds ratio (OR) 1. 72 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1. 12–2. 65)), male (OR 1. 99 (95% CI 1. 24–3. 20)), a higher score on disability (OR 1. 00 (95% CI 0. 997–1. 02)) and physical component scale (Short-Form 36 (SF-36)) (OR 1. 05 (95% CI 1. 02–1. 07)), previous rehabilitation (OR 1. 85 (95% CI 1. 14–2. 98)), not receiving sickness benefits (OR 0. 52 (95% CI 0. 24–1. 10)) and more work-participation (OR 4. 86 (95% CI 2. 35–10. 04)). More work-participation (OR 5. 22 (95% CI 3. 47–7. 85)) and male sex (OR 1. 79 (95% CI 1. 25–2. 55)) were also prognostic factors at 12-month follow-up.
Conclusion: At 12 months 52% of patients reported ≥ 90% work-participation. The strongest prognostic factor was more work-participation at baseline for the recovery of chronic non-specific low back pain.