These data provide both validation and st and ards for other users and indicate the power of the instrument for detecting change in sample population s. CONCLUSIONS The  ODI  remains a valid and vigorous measure and has been a worthwhile outcome measure .
The behavior of the instrument is incompletely understood , particularly in sensitivity to real change
STUDY DESIGN The Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI ) has become one of the principal condition-specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders .
This review is based on publications using the ODI identified from the authors ' personal data bases , the Science Citation Index , and h and search es of Spine and current textbooks of spinal disorders .
OBJECTIVES To review the versions of this instrument , document methods by which it has been vali date d , collate data from scores found in normal and back pain population s , provide curves for power calculations in studies using the ODI , and maintain the ODI as a gold st and ard outcome measure .
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA It has now been 20 years since its original publication .
More than 200 citations exist in the Science Citation Index .
Cost and Effectiveness Analysis of Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Treatment for Low Back and Neck Pain: Six‐Month Follow‐Up
Study Design . A r and omized , clinical trial was conducted in which patients with back/neck problems , visiting a general practitioner , were allocated to chiropractic or physiotherapy as primary management . Objectives . To compare outcome and costs of chiropractic and physiotherapy in managing patients with low back or neck pain . Summary of Background Data . Earlier studies on the treatment of back pain by spinal manipulation have shown inconsistent results . When a " new " strategy ‐chiropractic‐in the treatment of back pain was introduced in public health care in Sweden , there was a need to compare the effects and costs of chiropractic with the established physiotherapy . Methods . Three hundred twenty‐three patients aged 18 to 60 years who had no contraindications to manipulation and who had not been treated within the previous month were included in the study . Treatment was carried out at the discretion of the therapist . Outcome measures were primarily changes in pain intensity and general health , both assessed with visual analog scale and Oswestry pain disability question naire . Direct and indirect costs were measured . Results . For patients with low back or neck pain visiting the general practitioner in primary care , both chiropractic and physiotherapy as primary treatment reduced the symptoms . No difference in outcome or direct or indirect costs between the two groups could be seen , nor in subgroups defined as duration , history , or severity . Conclusions . The effectiveness and total costs of chiropractic or physiotherapy as primary treatment were similar to reach the same result after treatment and after 6 months
These data provide both validation and st and ards for other users and indicate the power of the instrument for detecting change in sample population s. CONCLUSIONS The  ODI  remains a valid and vigorous measure and has been a worthwhile outcome measure .
The behavior of the instrument is incompletely understood , particularly in sensitivity to real change
STUDY DESIGN The Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI ) has become one of the principal condition-specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders .
This review is based on publications using the ODI identified from the authors ' personal data bases , the Science Citation Index , and h and search es of Spine and current textbooks of spinal disorders .
OBJECTIVES To review the versions of this instrument , document methods by which it has been vali date d , collate data from scores found in normal and back pain population s , provide curves for power calculations in studies using the ODI , and maintain the ODI as a gold st and ard outcome measure .
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA It has now been 20 years since its original publication .
More than 200 citations exist in the Science Citation Index .