Ausback Project

Principal investigators:
Dr Scott Masters
A/Prof Michael Yelland

The Ausback study is an observational study assessing the management of low back pain (LBP) using the STAYAC algorithm, a successful Swedish model of multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment that has been adapted for use in Australia by Musculoskeletal Medicine practitioners and physiotherapists. The study aims to test the adapted algorithm under Australian conditions to see if results similar to those in Sweden can be achieved. The study is open to adults presenting with low back pain to Musculoskeletal Medicine practitioners in primary care. Participating practitioners are situated in Logan, Sandgate and Caloundra in South-east Queensland. Each has a recruitment target of 25 participants.

Recruitment commenced in May 2007 and should be completed in April 2008. Two practices have already recruited 25 participants and the third has recruited 20 participants. The results of the study will be used to inform the treatment of back pain in Australia and to help design future larger studies on the treatment of back pain.