Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with physical therapy on improving outcomes in chronic low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with physical therapy on improving outcomes in chronic low back pain (CLBP). [Participants and Methods] Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (31 participants) received CBT combined with physical therapy, and Group B (32 participants) received only physical therapy. Outcome measures at baseline and post-treatment were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. [Results] After 12 weeks of intervention, the pain relief effect, as measured using the NPRS, indicated that Group A experienced a reduction of 79.0% compared with the pretreatment period, whereas Group B showed a decrease of 58.0% during the same timeframe. However, Group A demonstrated a more significant improvement than did Group B. Additionally, enhancements in self-confidence during daily activities, reduction in motor avoidance, and overall psychological well-being were all more pronounced in Group A than in Group B. [Conclusion] Both groups demonstrated improvement following treatment; however, CBT combined with physical therapy resulted in greater enhancements in pain relief, psychological status, kinesiophobia, and daily functioning in patients with CLBP compared with that via physical therapy alone after 12 weeks of intervention.