Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy (Jul 2024)
Effect of 8 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy versus 8 weeks core stabilization training in the management of subjects with non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Abstract Background Patients with chronic pain usually regard pain as a stressful situation. The literature revealed that chronic pain is associated with social and cognitive dysfunction. Recently, the literature started to support using cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce the effect of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Objectives The study aimed to assess the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy versus core stabilization training in the treatment of subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods Ninety subjects were enrolled in the current study, with mean age (32.30 ± 4.38) and mean weight (72.27 ± 10.88). They were equally randomized into three equal groups A, B, and C using opaque envelopes and computer-generalized numbers. Group A received cognitive behavioral therapy plus traditional treatment, group B received a core stabilization training program plus traditional treatment, and group C received only traditional treatment. Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index were used pre- and post-treatment to measure the outcomes in response to the treatment plans. Results Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant decrease in the Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index post-treatment compared with pre-treatment in group A (P < 0.001), group B (P < 0.001), and group C (P < 0.001). Also, the results revealed that there was a significant decrease in the Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire work/lifestyle, and Oswestry Disability Index of group A compared with group B (P < 0.05) and group C (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in outcome measures in group B compared with group C (P < 0.05). Conclusion The results of the current study support the involvement of cognitive therapy in the management of chronic pain as it guides the patient to be aware of the underlying mechanism of chronic pain and the management maneuvers to overcome such pain. Also, the results provide credit to cognitive behavioral therapy in terms of long-term relief of chronic pain.
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