This is the first randomized controlled trial to
investigate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions
performed during the first 3 months
after lumbar fusion.
● Psychomotor therapy combines cognitivebehavioral
and motor relearning strategies to
modify maladaptive pain cognitions, behavior,
and motor control while exercise therapy encompasses
physical training focusing on muscular
strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
● Psychomotor therapy improves functional disability,
self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and reduces
fear of movement/(re)injury significantly
more than exercise therapy in short and longterm
lumbar fusion outcome.
● Psychomotor therapy improves return to work
levels and reduces levels of long-term sickness
leave and health care use in lumbar fusion patients
significantly more than exercise therapy