Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the patients' perception of the treatment with spinal stabilisation exercises and their overall experience of the treatment programme. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elicit valuable information of the experiences of patients who participated in a spinal stabilisation programme within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). METHOD: A qualitative study. PARTICIPANTS: Nine participants (male = 3, female = 6) were selected, to participate in focus group interviews from among those who participated in the RCT on the use of stabilization exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain. A semi-structured interview comprising of open ended questions were used. Audio recording was used to record participants' opinions during the interview process. Careful checking, reading and correction of the transcript from the interviews were carried out and a thematic analysis was conducted on the data. RESULTS: Participant's explanations for the perceived improvements were not limited to the positive effects of stabilisation exercise on pain severity, functional disability and quality of life but also reflected major increases in confidence and the formulation of self help strategies and the ability to exert better control over their back pain due to more knowledge of the spine and how it works. CONCLUSION: Participants views on the benefit of stabilisation exercise programme are heterogeneous. However, the opinions of many of the participants in this study seem to have indicated satisfaction with the programme.