Summary of findings for withholding MR imaging results for 6 months versus results received within 48 hoursa
| Follow-Up Period/Outcome | Outcome Measure (Scale) | Effect SizebMean Difference (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term | ||
| Pain | VAS (0–10) | −0.54 (−1.35−0.27) |
| Disability | RMDQ (0–24) | −1.00 (−2.63−0.63) |
| Absenteeism | Mean No. sick days | 0.20 (−0.47−0.87) |
| Quality of life | SF−36 (0–100) | PF: −7.00 (−13.99 to −0.01); RP: −9.70 (−21.74−2.34)BP: −8.50 (−15.51 to −1.49); GH: −3.10 (−8.35−2.15)VT: −4.80 (−10.97−51.37); SF: −0.70 (−7.00−5.60)RE: −7.30 (−17.29−2.69); MH: −9.30 (−15.44 to −3.16) |
| Fear of movement | FABQ: PA (0–24) | −0.40 (−2.29−1.49) |
| FABQ: W (0–42) | −1.30 (−4.57−1.97) | |
| Long-term | ||
| Pain | VPAS (0–10) | −0.10 (−1.0−0.80) |
| Disability | RMDQ (0–24) | −0.70 (−2.54−1.14) |
| Absenteeism | Mean No. sick days | 0.07 (−0.74−0.88) |
| Quality of life | SF −36 (0–100) | PF: −0.70 (−9.30−7.90); RP: −1.00 (−14.68−12.68)BP: −0.60 (−9.82−8.62); GH: −5.00 (−12.57−2.57)VT: −3.50 (−11.09−4.09); SF: −0.70 ( −7.00−5.60)RE: −1.60 (−12.26−9.06); MH:–6.70 (−13.15 to −0.25) |
| Fear of movement | FABQ: PA (0–24) | 0.60 (−1.74−2.94) |
| FABQ: W (0–42) | −0.50 (−3.04−4.04) |
Note:—FABQ indicates Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire; PA, physical activity; W, work; RMDQ, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire; SF, short form−36; PF, physical functioning; RP, role-physical; BP, bodily pain; GH, general health; VT, vitality; RE, role-emotional; MH, mental health; VAS, visual analog scale.
↵a Ash et al, 2008,19, n= 246, GRADE = very low. Negative values of the mean difference estimate represent an effect in favor of the intervention group.
↵b Only mean difference effects are presented.