Incorporation of cognitive-behavioral treatment into the medical care of chronic low back patients: A controlled randomized study in German pain treatment centers.

Tested the hypothesis that a treatment package that includes medical care and cognitive-behavioral treatment is more effective than medical treatment alone. This refers to improvement in control over pain, coping strategies, and physical and mental disability. The program was conducted in a group setting in accordance with a treatment manual and consisted of 12 weekly 2.5-hr sessions. A 2-factor experiment with repeated measures on 1 factor was applied. 94 consecutive patients with low-back pain were randomly assigned to an experimental group having a combined medical and cognitive-behavioral treatment, or to a control group with medical treatment only. Assessments were taken pretreatment, posttreatment, and (in the treated group only) at a 6-mo followup. At each assessment, Ss kept a pain diary over a period of 4 wks, and filled in self-report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 36 experimental and 40 control Ss at posttreatment. Experimental Ss reported less pain, better control over pain, more pleasurable activities and feelings, less avoidance and less catastrophizing. In addition, disability was reduced in terms of social roles, physical functions, and mental performance. Results were maintained at followup. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Accession Number: 1997-06036-002. PMID: 9216352 Partial author list: First Author & Affiliation: Basler, Heinz-Dieter; U Marburg, Dept of Medical Psychology, Marburg, Germany. Release Date: 19980401. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Print. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: English. Major Descriptor: Back Pain; Cognitive Therapy; Coping Behavior; Pain Perception. Minor Descriptor: Longitudinal Studies. Classification: Cognitive Therapy (3311). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Germany. Age Group: Adulthood (18 yrs & older) (300). Methodology: Empirical Study; Longitudinal Study. Page Count: 12. Issue Publication Date: Jun, 1997.