Biomedical subjects

Christopher Maher

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher Maher.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Prescription of activity for low back pain: What works?

This paper provides evidence-based guidelines for the prescription of activity in the management of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). The 62 clinical trials published between 1966 and 1997, identified by a search of the Medline and Cinahl databases, were reviewed to provide the basis for the guidelines. The available evidence suggests that physiotherapists should advise patients with acute and sub-acute NSLBP to avoid bed rest and to return to normal activity using time rather than pain as the guide to activity resumption. While structured exercise programs have not been shown to provide a benefit for acute NSLBP, there is strong evidence to support their use for patients with sub-acute and chronic NSLBP and in the prevention of NSLBP.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Authors' response.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

The role of functional status questionnaires for low back pain.

This article provides an introduction to the use of functional status questionnaires in the management of patients with low back pain (LBP). The paper highlights some problems with traditional outcome measures such as the straight leg raise and argues for the use of outcomes that are more meaningful to patients. It is recommended that physiotherapists evaluate the effect of their treatment on the health-related quality of life of a patient with LBP by assessing the patient's functional limitations and disabilities. Three questionnaires appropriate for this purpose, which are also feasible for use in the typical physiotherapy clinic, are reviewed and the use of one of the questionnaires is demonstrated in a case study.

Journal Article↗