Prognostic Factors of Disabling Low Back Pain in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Prognostic Factors of Disabling Low Back Pain in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
The aim of the present study is to quantify the relative contribution of variables obtained
 during a physical fitness evaluation and a short screening questionnaire in determining the
 short-term and long term risk of persistent disabling low back pain in patients with chronic
 low back pain. It has been hypothesized that patients with higher physical fitness will
 present a lower risk of persistent disabling low back pain and so, a lower score on the
 questionnaire.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  adults between 18 and 60 years old

 -  nonspecific low back pain : pain located between the twelfth rib and the inferior
 gluteal fold for which no specific source of pain could be identified

 -  chronic low back pain : pain present for 12 weeks or more, and included both constant
 and recurrent patterns of pain

 -  able to read and understand French

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of surgery or major trauma to the spine

 -  Current use of medication known to impair physical effort and pain perception

 -  Lumbar scoliosis of more than 20°

 -  Collagenosis, severe osteoporosis

 -  Neuromuscular disease

 -  Malignant tumor

 -  Non-controlled hypertension

 -  Infection

 -  Radiculopathy

 -  Progressive neurologic defect

 -  Myelopathy

 -  Lumbar disc hernia

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Active lower body injury and/or severe and disabling pain limiting the capacity to
 undergo the evaluation.