Clinical Specialization and Adherence to Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Low Back Pain Management: A Survey of US Physical Therapists

What is it about?

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) published (2012) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to guide therapists manage patients with low back pain associated joint stiffness, muscle incoordination, leg pain, and fear of physical activity. The current study investigated American physical therapists’ adherence to the APTA CPGs and compared adherence among physical therapists with different qualifications. Therapists performed better in the treatment of patients with LBP associated with joint stiffness or leg pain than in the management of patients with LBP and muscle incoordination or LBP with fear of physical activity. Clinical specialists performed better than their peers.

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Why is it important?

Early physical therapy intervention based on CPGs has been shown to reduce health care costs. There is strong evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments for LBP endorsed by CPGs. Professional and postprofessional educational programs need to improve physical therapy training in the recognition and management of patients with LBP and muscle incoordination, as well as patients with LBP and fear of physical activity.