Effectiveness of a ‘Global Postural Reeducation’ program for persistent Low Back Pain: a non-randomised controlled trial

Background The aim of this non-randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) program as compared to a Stabilization Exercise (SE) program in subjects with persistent low back pain (LBP) at short- and mid-term follow-up (3 and 6 months). Methods 100 consecutive patients with a primary complaint of persistent LBP were included in the study: 50 in the GPR group and 50 in the SE group. Primary outcome measures were Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index. Data were captured at baseline and at 3/6 months by a physical therapist blind to group allocation. An intention to treat approach was used to analyze participants according to the group to which they were originally assigned. Results At baseline, the two groups did not differ significantly with respect to gender, age, BMI and severity of LBP. When examining differences from baseline and the 3rd and 6th-month follow-up, the GPR group revealed a significant improvement of all the outcome measures with respect to the SE Group. The logistic regression model showed an increased likelihood of improvement at 3rd and 6th-month follow-up for the GPR with respect to the SE group. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a GPR intervention in subjects with persistent LBP induces a greater improvement on pain and disability as compared to a SE program. These results must be confirmed by further studies with higher methodological standards, including randomization, larger sample size, longer follow-up and subgrouping of the LBP subjects. Trial registration NCT00789204