Functional activities and psychosocial factors in the rehabilitation of patients with low back pain

A four-week rehabilitation programme for back patients, focusing on functio nal activities and psychosocial factors in the demands of work and daily li ving, was evaluated. The programme is a combination of training of function al activities and increased psychological knowledge, body awareness and cop ing. A total of 40 patients with lumbago or lumbago ischias participated in the program and were compared with a matched control group. The results sh owed that the patients had significantly more ergonomic and psychosocial pr oblems in their working environment than did the controls. A significant re duction in ratings of low back pain was noted in patients compared with con trols after rehabilitation. Increased functional ability and physical fitne ss were shown in the patient group after rehabilitation. Significantly more patients than controls returned to work after the rehabilitation.