TABLE 2.

Summary of studies evaluating educational interventions for acute whiplash-associated disorder (WAD)

Reference, year, country, score	Population and methods	Outcome measures	Results
Kongsted et al (12), 2008, Denmark, PEDro score = 6	Randomized controlled trial. 182 participants with mild, acute WAD complaints were randomly assigned to receive either a 1 h educational session with a specially trained nurse (n=119) or an educational pamphlet (n=63). Both groups received the same information, the only difference being the method of delivery	Neck disability (Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale) and average neck pain and headache (on a scale from 0 to 10) were assessed at baseline and at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months postintervention	After 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, 60%, 58% and 66% of the total sample had recovered, respectively. Although a greater proportion of those who received oral advice were considered to be recovered at 12 months (70% versus 58%), group differences were not significant on any of the outcome parameters
Ferrari et al (11), 2005, Canada, PEDro score = 8	Randomized controlled trial. 112 patients presenting to an emergency department with acute WAD received nonstandardized treatments. At discharge, experimental group patients received a 1-page evidence-based pamphlet offering reassurance and emphasizing mobilization and continuation of normal activities; control group patients received a standard, nondirective discharge information sheet	Subjective global improvement (patients who chose ‘all better’ were considered recovered), symptom severity, extent of limitations in daily activities, employment status and health resource use were assessed at 2 weeks and 3 months postinjury	At 2 weeks, 7.3% of the experimental group and 8.8% of the control group reported recovery; at 3 months, 21.8% of the experimental group and 21.0% of the control group reported recovery. No significant differences were found between the groups at any time
Oliveira et al (13), 2006, USA, no score	Quasirandomized trial. 126 patients presenting to an emergency department with acute WAD received unspecified standard care or standard care plus a 12 min educational video. The video, which was viewed in the emergency department, emphasized the psychophysiological aspects of chronic pain and included education about the physiology and course of whiplash injury; treatment within (rest and immobilization) and after 48 h (gradual return to activity); physical and emotional triggers of pain; and instruction on stretching exercises and breathing relaxation. All patients received analgesics as needed	The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and a survey assessing medication and medical service usage were conducted by phone at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postinjury	Compared with the standard care group, the video group had less pain at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months (P<0.001). Medical service usage and medication use were also lower for the video group at 6 months (P<0.001)

PEDro Physiotherapy Evidence Database