No abstract

Active implementation of the German LBP guideline results in slightly better outcomes during 6 months follow-up than its postal dissemination. Results are more distinct when practice nurses are trained in motivational counseling.

Interventions designed to reduce high health care costs for LBP should focus on patients with severe LBP and depressive comorbidity. Our results add to the economic understanding of LBP care and may give guidance for future actions on health care improvement and cost reduction.

The study does not provide evidence that a short TTM-based motivation programme is superior to placebo treatment regarding adherence to activity recommendations.

The findings are consistent with results reported in the literature for younger age groups and confirm the assumption that the FABM is also valid for the elderly.