Objective: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients
with chronic low back pain (CLBP).
Methods: Prospective observational study.
Participants: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpa-
tient Clinic.
Main outcome measures: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and
function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).
Results: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds
ratio [OR] = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.56, p < 0.001) and extraspinal pain
(OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.74, p = 0.006) were independently associated with a decreased
response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP.
Conclusion: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants
of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a
special rehabilitation program for this subgroup