Date Approved

1994

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Physical Therapy (M.S.)

Degree Program

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Arthur Schwarcz

Second Advisor

W. Bell

Third Advisor

R. Peltier

Abstract

The San Francisco Spine Institute (SFSI) Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization (DLMS) Program is a comprehensive, non-operative treatment approach to lumbar spine dysfunction. This program is implemented in physical therapy clinics nationwide.; The purpose of this study was to compare DLMS treatment concepts and methods used by Michigan rehabilitation professionals with the SFSI protocol. Forty-nine clinicians were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The areas surveyed included: clinicians' rationale for use and implementation of DLMS training, and clinicians' assessment of patient functional outcomes.; The survey responses suggest that clinicians focus on orthopedic evaluation parameters and low back pain management during program progression rather than on the SFSI DLMS objective of improved patient function. The results also demonstrate that clinicians do not perform objective outcome assessment on a routine basis. Thus, clinicians must routinely measure functional outcomes to demonstrate DLMS program efficacy. Any variations to the SFSI DLMS protocol require further research to validate their effectiveness.

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