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Fig. 2 | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Fig. 2

From: Identifying subgroups of patients using latent class analysis: should we use a single-stage or a two-stage approach? A methodological study using a cohort of patients with low back pain

Fig. 2

a Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the activity domain. Abbreviation: SS = single-stage patient subgroup.  = Features: Two identified representing two to 16 variables with a distinct scoring pattern. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the activity domain: SS 1: High degree of disability, low degree of walking distance limitations, can work. SS 2: Very low degree of disability, can work. SS 3: High degree of disability. SS 4: Moderate degree of disability, household challenges. SS 5: Moderate degree of disability, low degree of walking distance limitations. SS 6: High degree of disability. SS 7: Moderate degree of disability, walking (speed) limitations. b Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the contextual factors domain. Abbreviations: BMI = Body Mass Index. SS = single-stage patient subgroup.  = Features: Five identified representing one variable each with a slightly distinct scoring pattern. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the contextual factors domain was not considered appropriate as contextual factors did not contribute to the interpretation. c Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the pain domain. Abbreviations: LBP = low back pain. SS = single-stage patient subgroup.  = Features: Eight identified representing one to three variables with a distinct scoring pattern. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the pain domain. SS 1: Recent LBP with high degree of back pain severity. SS 2: Intermittent LBP with moderate degree of back pain severity. SS 3: Recent LBP with high degree of back pain severity, worsened by physical activity. SS 4: Persistent LBP with high degree of back pain severity and shoulder/neck pain. SS 5: Recent LBP with high degree of back pain severity and low degree of leg pain severity. SS 6: Recent LBP with very high back pain severity and moderate degree of leg pain severity, worsened by physical activity. SS 7: Dominating leg pain, high degree of leg pain severity, no paraspinal pain onset. d Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the participation domain. Abbreviations: SS = single-stage patient subgroup.  = Features: Three identified representing one to four variables with a distinct scoring pattern. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the participation domain: SS 1: Moderate degree of social participation limitations. SS 2: Low degree of participation limitations. SS 3: High degree of social participation limitations, moderate degree of work issues. SS 4: Moderate degree of participation limitations. SS 5: High degree of work issues and physical workload. SS 6: High degree of participation limitations and physical workload. SS 7: Moderate degree of participation limitations. e Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the physical impairment domain. Abbreviations: AROM = active range of motion. LBP = low back pain. SI = sacroiliac. SS = single-stage patient subgroup.   = Features: None, but five conceptually related items were identified. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the physical impairment domain: SS 1: LBP on flexion, extension and side glide, painful back muscles. SS 2: Low degree of pain on AROM, painful buttock and leg muscles. SS 3: LBP on AROM. SS 4: LBP on flexion, extension and side glide, painful back, buttock and leg muscles. SS 5: LBP on flexion, extension and side glide, painful back muscles. SS 6: LBP and leg pain on AROM, SI joint pain, painful buttock and leg muscles. SS 7: Leg pain on AROM, neurological signs, pain on extension/rotation, trigger points. f Single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the psychology domain. Abbreviation: SS = single-stage patient subgroup.  = Features: Five identified representing two to 10 variables with a distinct scoring pattern. Brief conceptual description of the single-stage patient subgroups based on variables from the psychology domain. SS 1: Sleep issues. SS 2: The uncomplicated psychological profile. SS 3: Pain-related concerns and sleep issues. SS 4: Psychologically affected without pain-related concerns. SS 5: Pain-related concerns and negative recovery beliefs. SS 6: The complicated psychological profile. SS 7: Sleep issues and catastrophizing

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