Consistent evidence was found for the predictive value of pain intensity ( more pain-- > worse outcome ) , several work-related parameters ( e.g. , high satisfaction-- > better outcome ) , and coping style ( less active coping-- > better outcome ) .
Other sociodemographic and physical variables consistently lacked predictive value .
No consistent evidence was found for other psychological variables .
CONCLUSIONS It is impossible to define a generic set of predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation and back schools for patients with chronic low back pain because the review ed studies were descriptive or exploratory in nature , and most predictors were only studied once .
Nevertheless , for several predictors , consistent evidence was found .
OBJECTIVE To determine predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation-or back school treatment  for patients with chronic low back pain .
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Numerous review s have been performed to gain insight into which patients benefit from which treatment .
However , no review has systematic ally focused on predictors from multiple domains ( i.e. , sociodemographic , physical , and psychological ) , or on treatment outcome measured as activity limitation or participation restriction .
Predictors of efficacy in treatment of chronic low back pain.
The investigation of predictors for therapy outcome in patients with chronic low back pain date back to the early 1970s . Numerous well controlled prospect i ve longitudinal studies have confirmed the predominant predictive power of several psychological factors , which are in addition to objective work related , medical and sociodemographic variables . Studies published in the review period have reported markedly improved method ological st and ards . Further progress is seen with the enhanced search for predictors of working situation in chronic low back pain patients . Finally , there is a shift toward the investigation of predictors for efficacy of primary care in acute and subchronic low back pain patients
Consistent evidence was found for the predictive value of pain intensity ( more pain-- > worse outcome ) , several work-related parameters ( e.g. , high satisfaction-- > better outcome ) , and coping style ( less active coping-- > better outcome ) .
Other sociodemographic and physical variables consistently lacked predictive value .
No consistent evidence was found for other psychological variables .
CONCLUSIONS It is impossible to define a generic set of predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation and back schools for patients with chronic low back pain because the review ed studies were descriptive or exploratory in nature , and most predictors were only studied once .
Nevertheless , for several predictors , consistent evidence was found .
OBJECTIVE To determine predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation-or back school treatment  for patients with chronic low back pain .
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Numerous review s have been performed to gain insight into which patients benefit from which treatment .
However , no review has systematic ally focused on predictors from multiple domains ( i.e. , sociodemographic , physical , and psychological ) , or on treatment outcome measured as activity limitation or participation restriction .