Effect of information and exercise programmes after lumbar disc surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two physiotherapy interventions following lumber disc surgery regarding effect on pain, functioning and fear of movement. Methods: This study is a prospective randomized controlled study. When admitted to hospital for first time lumbar disc surgery, the participants were randomized to one of two post-operative intervention groups: one group received information only and the other exercise in combination with information. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 6–8 weeks and 12-months post-surgery. The primary outcome was to record changes in back/hip pain and leg pain. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of changes in function, fear-avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia. Results: Seventy patients completed the study and were included in the analysis, of which 37 were randomized to the group receiving information only and the remaining 33 receiving both exercise and information. For primary outcomes, at 12 months postoperatively, the group receiving both exercise and information had significantly lower leg pain compared with those receiving only information (p