Mechanical diagnosis and therapy in back pain: Compliance and social cognitive theory

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs and exercise compliance, and to explore relations between SCT variables and exercise compliance in patients with lumbar derangement syndrome during mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) treatment. Fifty-eight subjects completed the study. The data collection included measures relevant to SCT constructs and compliance: outcome expectations and expectancies, self-efficacy expectations, behavioural capability, and self-reported frequency of exercise occasions, as well as treatment outcomes regarding pain intensity and disability. Data were collected at five occasions during treatment and during a 2-month follow-up period. The subjects received a mean of three movements (range one to five) as home exercises. The mean number of weeks with these exercises was 4 (range 1–6). High median scores were found in all variables related to SCT. The median compliance rates varied between 79% (week 1) and 91% (week 3) during treatment. During the first follow-up month, the compliance rate was 79% and during the second month of follow-up 62%. Pain intensity and disability decreased during treatment. Although there were no significant correlations between the SCT variables and exercise compliance, the descriptive data are in line with SCT.

• adherence
• lumbar derangement syndrome
• McKenzie
• physical therapy
• treatment