Classifying Subgroups of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Based on Lifting Patterns

Slaboda JC, Boston JR, Rudy TE, Lieber SJ. Classifying subgroups of chronic low back pain patients based on lifting patterns.ObjectiveTo compare self-reported measures of chronic lower back pain (CLBP) patients who were assigned to 2 subgroups based on their lifting patterns performed during a repetitive lifting task.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingResearch laboratoryParticipantsCLBP subjects (n=81) and pain-free controls (n=53).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresMeasures of lifting patterns and self-reported disability, pain, and psychosocial aspects.ResultsTwo CLBP subgroups were found: 1 group that lifts similarly to control subjects (n=35) and 1 group that lifts very differently from controls (n=46). The CLBP group that lifted differently than controls reported higher pain intensity (P=.005), higher pain severity (P=.025), and lower self-efficacy (P=.013) than the CLBP group that lifted similarly to controls.ConclusionsA classification system based on lifting patterns identified 2 CLBP subgroups that were significantly different on lifting and self-reported measures, indicating the importance of physical functioning measures in classification systems.