Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is
among the most common musculoskeletal system conditions
reported worldwide; however, few studies are available from
low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Self-management
is a set of tasks performed by the patient aiming at managing
their symptoms and interference in activities, mood and
relationships due to pain. A physiotherapy-guided self-management programme (SMP) following a biopsychosocial
approach has been reported as effective and affordable in
the management of CNLBP in high-income countries. The
objective of this systematic review is to determine the overall
effectiveness of SMPs for adults with CNLBP in LMICs.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this systematic review, the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines will be followed.
A three-step search strategy will be used to search the
electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus,
Scopus and CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and PEDro)
for randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness
of physiotherapy-guided self-management for CNLBP among
adult participants in LMICs. The processes of screening search
results for eligible studies, extracting data from included
studies and appraising will be done independently by at least
two review authors. Random effects meta-analysis will be used
to synthesise results and heterogeneity will be assessed using
the I2
test statistic and χ2
test.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics clearance was
obtained for the broader PhD study on the development
of a physiotherapy-guided SMP for adult people with
CNLBP in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The results of
the manuscript for this protocol will be published in peer-reviewed journals and also presented at conferences,
symposia, and congresses.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023399572.
