Table 1 Inclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria | Rationale | Source* |
|---|---|---|
Continuing member of Group Health Cooperative | Defined population that is easy to identify, recruit and follow-up | A, TI |
20 through 64 years of age | Chronic low back pain in children results from different causes than those we are studying; older persons have higher risk of undiagnosed serious conditions causing low back pain | A |
At least one primary care visit for back pain within the past 3-15 months | Efficient method for identifying people who may have chronic low back pain and who have been evaluated by a physician for their problem | A |
Non-specific, uncomplicated low back pain, i.e., these ICD-9 codes: 724.2 Lumbago 724.5 Backache, unspecified 724.8 Other symptoms referable to back 846.0-9 Sprains and strains, sacroiliac 847.2 Sprains and strains, lumbar 847.3 Sprains and strains, sacral 847.9 Sprains and strains, unspecified site of the back | These codes are consistent with low back pain that is uncomplicated and specific in nature | A |
Physician willing to have patients included in the study | Research policy | ** |
Lives within 45 minutes travel time from class location | Maximize attendance at classes | A |