Effectiveness of start approach in reducing functional disability and pain in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain

Background: Sub-grouping individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) based on prognostic factors and targeting treatment to address these factors is been advocated in recent trials. This study investigated the effects of the sub-grouping for targeted treatment (STarT) approach and non-stratified treatment approach in reducing functional disability (FD) and pain intensity (PI) in individual with CNSLBP.
Methods: Forty individuals, with CNSLBP participated in this single blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups: Targeted treatment group (TTG; n = 20) or Non-targeted treatment group (NTTG; n = 20).
Treatment was applied 3 times weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes assessed were pain intensity (PI) using Visual Analogue scale and functional disability (FD) using Roland and Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests at α0.05.
Results: Participants in both groups were comparable in age (44.65±9.03 vs 46.40±7.39) years. At baseline, PI, FD and anthropometric values were comparable in both groups. Within-group comparison between the baseline and 8 weeks post intervention revealed that the different treatment regimens had significant effects on PI and FD (p<0.05). There was also a significant difference between the 2 groups in pain intensity (p<0.05) with no significant difference in terms of functional disability (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: STarT and non-targeted treatment approaches were effective in reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. However, STarT approach was more effective in reducing pain among participants.