Effectiveness of the back school program for the performance of activities of daily living in users of a basic health unit in Porto Alegre, Brazil

[Purpose] Primary care is considered the gateway to the Brazilian public health system and is responsible for managing the most prevalent problems in the population. In this study, the effects of Back School on pain, functionality, and the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in users with chronic musculoskeletal pain were evaluated. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-four users (33 females and 11 males) participated in Back School, with five two-hour theoretical and practical meetings held once a week. The assessment instruments used were as follows: (a) a circuit evaluation of posture dynamics recorded on video, (b) an observational instrument of ADL using video, (c) anamnesis, (d) the visual analogue scale, and (e) the Oswestry Disability Index. [Results] The results showed decreased pain intensity, improved functionality, and the recovery of ADL. [Conclusion] The Back School program is an effective health education strategy for users with chronic musculoskeletal pain.