Table 1

Components of the intervention for each group

Patient-led goal setting interventionControl group
Session 1: week 1

  • Orientation of patient.

  • SMART approach explained.

  • Goals and strategies developed.

Homework task: review educational material.

  • History taken of CLBP and provision of advice about a standardised exercise programme in addition to encouragement to continue with their usual care

Session 2: week 3

  • Education and discussion.

  • Review of goals, progress towards and barriers to achieving goals.

  • Strategies developed.

Sessions 3 and 4: weeks5 and 7

  • Review of goals, progress towards and barriers to achieving goals.

  • Strategies developed.

Session 5 (completion of intervention): 2 months

  • Review of goals, progress towards and barriers to achieving goals.

  • Strategies developed.

  • Outcomes measured.

  • Review of exercise programme.

  • Outcomes measured.

Postintervention follow-up (3 months)

  • Review of goals, progress towards and barriers to achieving goals.

Postintervention follow-up (4 months)

  • Review of goals, progress towards and barriers to achieving goals.

  • Outcomes measured.

  • Review of exercise programme.

  • Outcomes measured.

Postintervention follow-up (12 months)

  • Outcomes measured.

  • Outcomes measured.

  • CBLP, chronic low back pain; SMART, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant with a Timeframe.