Predictors of substantial improvement in physical function six months after lumbar surgery: is early post-operative walking important? A prospective cohort study

Table 5 Outcome measurement: preoperative and six months post-operative; achievement of change thresholds

Outcome	Outcome measure	Baseline mean (SD)	Six months mean (SD)	Difference in mean (95%CI)	t-statistic, p-value	MCID N (%)	SCB N (%)
Physical function	ODQ	44.14 (16.35)	22.37 (17.43)	21.77 (18.44–25.10)	t = 15.97, p = < 0.01	142 (71%)	102 (51%)
Physical function	SF-36 (PCS)	32.89 (7.07)	43.74 (10.03)	−10.85 (−9.12 - -12.60)	t = 15.10, p = < 0.01	139 (72%)	127 (66%)
Back Pain	NRPS	5.75 (2.78)	2.88 (2.61)	2.87 (2.33–3.40)	t = 12.52, p = < 0.01	127 (64%)	107 (54%)
Leg Pain	NRPS	5.90 (3.02)	2.25 (2.66)	3.57 (3.08–4.22)	t = 14.14, p = < 0.01	134 (68%)	114 (58%)

MCID Minimal Clinically Important Difference, SCB Substantial Clinical Benefit, ODQ Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, SF-36 (PCS) Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary, NRPS Numerical Pain Rating Score

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