Feasibility of the STarT Back Screening Tool in Chiropractic Clinics
Author Information
Author(s): Alice Kongsted, Else Johannesen, Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde
Primary Institution: Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark
Hypothesis
Can the STarT back screening tool effectively identify risk groups for low back pain in chiropractic patients in Denmark?
Conclusion
The STarT back screening tool is feasible for use in chiropractic practice and effectively identifies risk groups related to psychological factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 59% of patients were classified as low risk according to the STarT back screening tool.
- The high risk group had a likelihood ratio of 7.6 for high scores on the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire.
- Patients in the high risk group reported more days with low back pain compared to other groups.
- Only 10% of patients showed signs of moderate depression based on the Major Depression Inventory.
Takeaway
The STarT back screening tool helps doctors figure out how much help patients with back pain might need based on their answers to some questions.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 475 patients from 19 chiropractic clinics who completed the STarT back screening tool and other psychological questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data and the lack of validation of the tool in different populations.
Limitations
The study did not include pain intensity or disability scales, and the chosen cut-point for catastrophising was not documented.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18 to 67, with a mean age of 43; 255 females and 207 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.3 - 6.3 for MDI; 95% CI 4.9 - 11.7 for FABQ
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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