The Effect of Cognitive Functional Therapy on Patients With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is a novel, patient centred behavioural intervention which addresses multiple dimensions in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). It combines a functional behavioural approach of normalising provocative postures and movements while discouraging pain behaviours, with cognitive restructuring of the NSCLBP problem.

Each class involves a combination of education, exercise and relaxation/mindfulness. The education topics include pain and the nervous system, posture and ergonomics, exercise and relaxation and sleep. The exercise component includes 10 stations of a combination of aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. These will be walking/jogging on the spot, mini-squats, sit to stands, wall push ups, bridging, step-ups and a combination of leg and low back stretches. The relaxation/mindfulness component will take place at the end of each class and will involve breathing and relaxation of the body.