A new study published in Spine examines rehabilitation after lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
The researchers reviewed databases to identify studies for the review. Two studies were included in the systematic review that examined 237 patients; 62 percent female and the average age of 55.
The researchers found:
1. Complex rehabilitation includes exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy for pain, disability, fear of movement and mental health outcomes. The therapy is usually conducted at short and long terms postoperatively — three and 12 months.
2. There was low quality evidence suggesting "complex rehabilitation" provides short-term improvement in disability.
3. There was low quality evidence suggesting "complex rehabilitation" had an affect on fear avoidance behavior when compared with the usual care.
4. The evidence suggesting "complex rehabilitation" should be favored over the usual care for long term disability and fear avoidance was low.
5. The researchers recommended more high-quality research to confirm how effective "complex rehabilitation" programs are.