Rehabilitation following lumbar fusion surgery (REFS) a randomised controlled feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose

Following lumbar fusion surgery (LFS), 40% of patients are unsure/dissatisfied with their outcome. A prospective, single-centre, randomised, controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility (including clinical and economic impact) of a theoretically informed rehabilitation programme following LFS (REFS).

Methods

REFS was informed by an explicit theoretical framework and consisted of 10 consecutive weekly group rehabilitation sessions (education, low-tech cardiovascular, limb and spine strengthening exercises, and peer support). Participants were randomised to REFS or 'usual care.' Primary feasibility outcomes included recruitment and engagement. Secondary outcomes, collected preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12  months postoperatively, comprised the Oswestry disability index, European Quality of Life 5 dimensions score, pain self-efficacy questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression scale and the aggregated functional performance time. Economic impact was evaluated with the Client Services Receipt Inventory.

Results

Fifty-two of 58 eligible participants were recruited, and engagement with REFS was > 95%. REFS participants achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in unadjusted mean short-term disability (− 13.27 ± 13.46), which was not observed in the 'usual care' group (− 2.42 ± 12.33). This was maintained in the longer term (− 14.72% ± 13.34 vs − 7.57 ± 13.91). Multilevel regression analyses, adjusted for body mass index, baseline depression, and smoking status reported a statistically significant short-term improvement in disability (p = 0.014) and pain self-efficacy (p = 0.007). REFS costs £275 per participant.

Conclusions

Results suggest that REFS is feasible and potentially affordable for delivery in the National Health Service. It is associated with a clinically meaningful impact. A multicentre randomised controlled study to further elucidate these results is warranted.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

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