The effect of cognitive functional therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: To apply the Bio-Psych-Social (BPS) model into clinical practice, it is important not to focus on psychosocial domains only since biomedical factors can also contribute to chronic pain conditions. The cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is the management system based on the BPS model for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare CFT with the other interventions for CNSLBP regarding pain, disability/functional status, QoL and psychological factors. DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of a randomised controlled trial. METHOD: Literature Search was conducted in electronic search engines. Enrolled participants included 1) CNSLBP and 2) primary, secondary, or tertiary care patients. CFT was the interventions included. Comparisons were any types of treatment. RESULTS: Three studies met the eligibility criteria. The total number of participants was 336. For pain intensity, MD [95% CIs] was -1.38 [-2.78 − 0.02] and -1.01 [-1.92 − -0.10] at intermediate and long term for two studies, respectively. About disability/functional status, SMD [95% CIs] was -0.76 [-1.46 − -0.07] at the intermediate for three studies and MD [95% CIs] was -8.48 [-11.47 − -5.49] at long term for two studies. About fear of physical activity, MD [95% CIs] was -3.01 [-5.14 − -0.88] and -3.56 [-6.43 − -0.68] at intermediate and long term for two studies, respectively. No studies reported scores associated with QOL. All the quality of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Three studies were included and the quality of all the evidence was very low. Although the study found statistically significant differences in some measures, the effectiveness of the CFT will need to be re-evaluated in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020158182. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13030-022-00241-6.