A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 9 studies with a total of 981 subjects.
In MBR compared to usual care for subacute LBP, individuals receiving MBR had less pain (four studies with 336 participants; SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.21) and less disability (three studies with 240 participants; SMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.01), as well as increased likelihood of return-to-work (three studies with 170 participants; OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.46 to 6.98) and fewer sick leave days (two studies with 210 participants; SMD -0.38 95% CI -0.66 to -0.10) at 12-month follow-up. The effect sizes for pain and disability were low in terms of clinical meaningfulness, whereas effects for work-related outcomes were in the moderate range.
However, when comparing MBR to other treatments (i.e. brief intervention with features from a light mobilization program and a graded activity program, functional restoration, brief clinical intervention including education and advice on exercise, and psychological counselling), no differences were found between the groups in terms of pain (two studies with 336 participants; SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.07), functional disability (two studies with 345 participants; SMD -0.03, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.18), and time away from work (two studies with 158 participants; SMD -0.25 95% CI -0.98 to 0.47). Return-to-work was not reported in any of the studies.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality and by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals).
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