Table 2.
Patient characteristics at baseline
| Predictor analysis (n = 147) | Analysis of change in fat infiltration (n = 126) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age (mean (SD)) | 41.0 (7.2) | 41.6 (7.1) |
| Gender (women (n %)) | 77 (52.4) | 65 (51.6) |
| BMI (mean (SD)) | 25.3 (3.2) | 25.4 (3.2) |
| Current smoker (n % yes) | 66 (44.9) | 58 (46.0) |
| Previous back surgery (n % yes)a | 44 (29.9) | 37 (29.4) |
| Work status b (n % working) | 31 (21.1) | 25 (19.8) |
| Duration of back pain, years (mean (SD)) | 6.3 (5.9) | 6.5 (6.1) |
| Daily consumption of opioids (n % yes) | 34 (23.1) | 30 (23.8) |
| ODI score, 0-100c (mean (SD)) | 42.3 (9.0) | 41.8 (8.4) |
| EQ-5D index, -0.59–1d (mean (SD)) | 0.28 (0.30) | 0.28 (0.30) |
| HSCL-25, 1-4c (mean (SD)) | 1.80 (0.51) | 1.81 (0.50) |
| FABQ-physical, 0-24c (mean (SD)) | 13.2 (5.6) | 13.3 (5.4) |
| FABQ-work, 0-42c (mean (SD)) | 26.5 (10.6) | 26.0 (10.4) |
| Back Pain, 0-100c (mean (SD)) | 70.0 (14.9) | 69.4 (15.0) |
| Leg Pain, 0-100c (mean (SD)) | 44.5 (26.8) | 47.0 (25.7) |
BMI body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), ODI Oswestry Disability Index, EQ-5D = EuroQol-5 Dimensions, HSCL-25 Hopkins Symptom Checklist, FABQ Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire
aThere were no differences in fat infiltration between patients with/without previous back surgery
bWorking versus not working; including part-time work as working
cLower scores indicate less severe symptoms
dHigher scores indicate better quality of life