Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the TAI CHI study
Inclusion criteria | |
|---|---|
Age | 18 to 70 years |
Diagnosis | Non-specific low back pain +/- leg pain. |
Pain duration | At least 3 months duration. |
Pain qualifier | A score of "moderate" or higher on item 7 or 8 of the SF-36. |
Usual health care | Current health care regimen stable for at least 4 weeks and individual agrees not to seek changes to health care regimen during the 10 week trial. |
Language | English speaking and English literate. |
Residential status | Expects to continue residing in Sydney for study duration. |
Exclusion criteria | |
Pathology | Suspected or confirmed serious spinal pathology (fracture, metastatic, inflammatory or infective diseases of the spine, cauda equina syndrome/widespread neurological disorder). |
| Â | Nerve root compromise (2 of strength, reflex or sensation affected for same nerve root) |
Past medical procedures | Spinal surgery |
Current medical status | Scheduled for major surgery during treatment |
Pregnancy | Suspected or confirmed pregnancy |
Contraindications | Any of the contraindications to exercise listed on the PAR-Q |
Work status | If participant's back pain is compensable, all relevant treatment parties need to agree to Tai Chi treatment. |
Language | Unable to speak, read and write English. |
Previous tai chi experience | Participation in a tai chi program within the last 6 months. |
Temporary exclusion criteria | |
Current health care | If participant has started a new treatment/intervention for their back symptoms within 4 weeks prior to eligibility assessment, the individual is temporarily excluded from participating in the study. The individual will be advised that once the new course of treatment has either finished or has become part of their regular health care routine for more than 4 weeks, and they are still experiencing low back pain symptoms they can contact the project leaders again to participate in the trial. |