Assessment of the effects on return to work of interventions on workers on sick leave due to low back pain in randomised controlled trials
| Reference | Study population | Duration of intervention | Follow-up period | Effect on return to work |
| Anema et al (2007)17 Steenstra et al (2006)18 | 196 workers sicklisted for 2–6 weeks due to non-specific LBP | Graded activity (n=31) for 1 h/day during 4 weeks after 8 weeks' absence Workplace intervention (n=22) after 6 weeks' absence Graded activity+workplace intervention | 12 months | HR=0.4 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.6) HR=1.7 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.3) HR=0.7 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.2) |
| Hagen et al (2000)19 | 457 workers sicklisted for 8–12 weeks because of non-specific LBP | One visit lasting 3 h at spine clinic | 3 months 6 months 12 months | RR=1.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.8) RR=1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.6) RR=1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4) |
| Haldorsen et al (1998)20 | 223 workers sicklisted for 8 weeks–6 months for non-specific LBP | Cognitive-behavioural treatment for 6 h/day, 5 days/ week over 4 weeks | 12 months | RR=0.9 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.1) |
| Heymans et al (2006)21 | 299 workers sicklisted for 3–6 weeks for LBP | High intensity back school with two 1 h sessions/week for 8 weeks Low intensity back school with a 2 h session/week for 4 weeks | 12 months 12 months | HR=1.0 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.4) HR=1.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.7) |
| Hlobil et al (2005)22 | 134 workers sicklisted for at least 8 weeks with LBP | Graded activity with two 1 h sessions per week, maximum duration of intervention 12 weeks | 12 months | HR=1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) |
| Indahl et al 199723 | 975 workers sicklisted for 8–12 weeks for LBP with or without radiating pain | Physical examination, reassurance, and advice to stay active during three visits over 1 year | 12 months | HR=2.2 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.8) |
| Loisel et al (1997)24 | 104 workers sicklisted for 4–12 weeks for LBP | Graded activity (n=31) for 1 h/day during 4 weeks after 8 weeks' absence Workplace intervention (n=22) after 6 weeks' absence Graded activity+workplace intervention | 12 months 12 months 12 months | HR=1.1 HR=1.6 HR=2.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.9) |
| Rossignol et al (2000)25 | 110 workers compensated for work related LBP with absence of between 4 and 8 weeks | Coordination of primary healthcare which included one examination, recommendations for clinical management and weekly support by telephone | 6 months | HR=1.3 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.7) |
| Staal et al (2004)26 | 134 workers sicklisted for at least 4 weeks with non-specific LBP | Graded activity with two 1 h sessions per week, average duration of intervention 7 weeks | 6 months | HR=1.9 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.9) |
| Verbeek et al (2002)27 | 120 workers sicklisted for 10–31 days with LBP | Appointment with occupational physician and subsequent guidance | 12 months | HR=1.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.9) |
LBP, low back pain.