MULTIMODAL COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS SICKLISTED FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-STUDY

In a randomized controlled study multimodal cognitive behavioral treat ment (MMCBT), including physical treatment, cognitive behavioral modif ication, education, and examination of the work situation for each pat ient, was given to patients sick-listed for musculoskeletal pain (n=46 9). Patients were recruited through the National Insurance System. Aft er a pre-test by an independent physiotherapist the patients were allo cated at random to the intervention group (n=312) or the control group (n=157). The MMBCT program lasted for 4 weeks. The control group retu rned to their general practitioners, without any feedback or advice on therapy from the project. At the one year follow-up the MMCBT group h ad not returned to work at a higher rate than the control group receiv ing ordinary treatment available through their general practitioners. However, the MMCBT group had improved their ergonomic behavior, work p otential, life quality, physical, and psychological health.