A critical appraisal and defence of the Oxfordshire low back pain trial

Citation

Frost H & Lamb SE (2005) A critical appraisal and defence of the Oxfordshire low back pain trial. Physiotherapy, 91 (1), pp. 1-2. http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.stir.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S0031940605000027

Abstract
First paragraph: The costs of National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy for low back pain were estimated to be £251 million in 1998. Physiotherapy resources are overstretched and it is essential to make the best use of services available. The frustration and lack of a real cure for low back pain has led to a number of different interventions evolving without recourse to clinical trials. In 1995, managers of the Oxfordshire physiotherapy services were challenged in the Health Authorities Priorities Forum to provide evidence that the service they offered people with back pain was effective. A trial was designed following lengthy discussion with clinicians and researchers to assess the effect of commonly delivered physiotherapy treatment for patients with sub-acute and chronic low back pain.

Journal
Physiotherapy: Volume 91, Issue 1