The aim of this single-blind pilot RCT was to investigate the effect of
pain biology education and group exercise classes compared to
pain biology education alone for individuals with chronic
low back pain (CLBP). Participants with CLBP were randomised to a
pain biology education and group exercise classes group (
EDEX) [n = 20] or a
pain biology education only group (ED) [n = 18]. The primary outcome was
pain (0-100 numerical rating scale), and self-reported function assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention and three month follow up. Secondary outcome measures were
pain self-efficacy,
pain related fear, physical performance testing and free-living activity monitoring. Using a linear mixed model analysis, there was a statistically significant interaction effect between time and intervention for both
pain (F[2,49] = 3.975, p < 0.05) and
pain self-efficacy (F[2,51] = 4.011, p < 0.05) with more favourable results for the ED group. The effects levelled off at the three month follow up point. In the short term,
pain biology education alone was more effective for
pain and
pain self-efficacy than a combination of
pain biology education and group exercise classes. This pilot study highlights the need to investigate the combined effects of different interventions.