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Background: Negative low back pain (LBP) beliefs have been associated with greater disability among patients with LBP. The LBP beliefs of health care professionals (HCPs) are associated with the LBP beliefs of their patients. Intensive (8-day) education improves both the LBP beliefs of HCPs, and their stated management of LBP. However, it is unclear if shorter (2-3 day) educational workshops can effectively change the LBP beliefs of HCPs. This study examined whether educational, biopsychosocial workshops improve the LBP beliefs of physiotherapists. In addition, the study aimed to identify which LBP beliefs are modified, which factors facilitate these changes, and to compare LBP beliefs between countries. Methods: 150 physiotherapists attending a LBP workshop in one of three countries (Ireland, England or Germany) participated. LBP beliefs were evaluated using the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) before and after the workshops. A small sample (n = 12) of participating physiotherapists identified the key perceived mediators of change in their LBP beliefs, and this data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Significant differences in LBP beliefs existed between countries, both at baseline and follow-up. BBQ scores across all three countries were significantly increased (p < 0.001), after the workshop. Combining the scientific evidence with live patient presentations were identified as important mediators of changing LBP beliefs. Conclusions: Biopsychosocially-orientated educational workshops improved the LBP beliefs of physiotherapists. Future studies should examine if LBP management changes after such educational workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While sitting is a common aggravating factor in low back pain (LBP), the best sitting posture remains unclear. This study investigated the perceptions of 295 physiotherapists in four different European countries on sitting posture. Physiotherapists selected their perceived best sitting posture from a sample of nine options that ranged from slumped to upright sitting, as well as completing the back beliefs questionnaire (BBQ). 85% of physiotherapists selected one of two postures as best, with one posture being selected significantly more frequently than the remainder (p < 0.05). Interestingly, these two most frequently selected postures were very different from each other. Those who selected the more upright sitting posture had more negative LBP beliefs on the BBQ (p < 0.05). The choice of best sitting posture also varied between countries (p < 0.05). Overall, disagreement remains on what constitutes a neutral spine posture, and what is the best sitting posture. Qualitative comments indicated that sitting postures which matched the natural shape of the spine, and appeared comfortable and/or relaxed without excessive muscle tone were often deemed advantageous. Further research on the perceptions of people with LBP on sitting posture are indicated., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)