Treatment categories for low back pain: a methodological approach

Studies that evaluate effectiveness of physical therapy can be problematic because frequently several treatment techniques are used during an episode of care. Methods that categorize treatment techniques into discrete categories may be useful in studying treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe a method to create treatment categories used for patients with low back pain. We surveyed physical therapists in Virginia to identify frequently used treatments for patients with low back pain. One hundred fifty-five surveys were completed. Twenty-eight treatments, used frequently or very frequently by 50% or more of the respondents, were retained for analysis. Factor analysis was used to identify treatment categories. Seven categories were identified: McKenzie approach, manual therapy, exercise with equipment, active and stretching exercise, physical agents, aerobic exercise and walking, and ergonomic activities. Indices for the categories were created. Confirmatory factor analyses should be performed on a different sample to validate these findings.