Manual therapy
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Review Comparative Study
A systematic review of instruments for the assessment of work-related psychosocial factors (Blue Flags) in individuals with non-specific low back pain.
In individuals with low back pain (LBP) psychosocial factors can act as obstacles to return to work. A coloured Flags Framework has been conceptualised, in which Blue Flags represent work-related psychosocial issues. This systematic review was conducted to appraise available instruments for the assessment of Blue Flags in working age adults with non-specific LBP. ⋯ None of the instruments, in their current stage of development, can be recommended as Blue Flags assessment instruments. The ORTWQ was the only instrument that showed adequate psychometric properties but was not considered clinically feasible in its present format. Future research should focus on further psychometric development of the ORTWQ.