Table 2

Primary outcome measures: improvements and differences between intervention groups^2-150

		Exercise therapy				Control		Difference (95% CI) exercise therapy - controls	Effect size
		n	Mean change^2-151			n	Mean change^2-151	Difference (95% CI) exercise therapy - controls	Effect size
Pain past week
Week 12	93	−22.8		98	−5.7	−17.0 (−23.6 to −10.4)	0.58
Week 24	88	−17.2		91	−5.6	−11.5 (−19.7 to −3.3)	0.36
Week 36	90	−15.5		92	−8.9	−6.6 (−14.7 to 1.6)	0.20
Drug use: NSAIDs
Week 12	93	42%		98	36%	6% (−8% to 20%)	0.12
Week 24	90	39%		94	48%	−9% (−22 to 4%)	0.18
Week 36	90	40%		93	51%	−10% (−23% to 3%)	0.22
Observed disability
Week 12	91	−0.21		98	−0.02	−0.19 (−0.38 to −0.01)	0.28
Week 24	88	−0.13		91	−0.04	−0.09 (−0.30 to 0.12)	0.12
Week 36	88	−0.16		91	−0.06	−0.10 (−0.31 to 0.11)	0.13

↵2-150 Analyses are adjusted for baseline differences (fear avoidance beliefs towards physical activity, use of paracetamol, use of NSAIDs) and baseline score on specific outcome parameter.
↵2-151 For drug use follow up scores are presented; percentage of patients taking drugs.