A limited functional restoration program for injured workers: A randomized trial.

Compared 74 Worker's Compensation Board claimants (aged 18–60 yrs) suffering from soft tissue injuries who were treated in a limited functional restoration program (FRP), with a randomized group of 64 claimants referred back to their family doctors for "usual care." The FRP consisted of exercise, work conditioning, group education, and behavioral counseling designed to maximize function, improve pain coping strategies, and ultimately return claimants to work. Results show that treated claimants were significantly more likely to be back at work or "work ready" (in a job search, in retraining, or school) 18 mo posttreatment than claimants left to the "usual care" of their attending physicians. They also reported lower pain levels and improved sleep on follow-up. Claimants with low back pain were more successful in returning to work than those with nonback pain or multiple complaints. Results are discussed in terms of the need for better coordination of care to ensure positive outcomes, ideal features of a successful FRP, and the need to better understand who will benefit from this intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)