Table 1 Characteristics of cohort participants

Number of participants

332

Age (mean)

40 (SD10,

range 18–61)

Gender (proportion women)

58%

Pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale 0–10, mean)

Low Back Pain (now)

5.0 (SD2.2)

Low Back Pain (worst last 14 days)

7.7 (SD1.9)

Low Back Pain (average last 14 days)

5.8 (SD1.7)

Leg pain (now)

2.2 (SD2.6)

Leg pain (worst last 14 days)

4.0 (SD3.3)

Leg pain (average last 14 days)

3.1 (SD2.6)

Activity limitation (Low Back Pain Rating Scale 0–100, mean)

50 (SD16.6)

Depression (Beck Depression Inventory, scale 0–63, mean)

10.1 (SD6.8)

Duration of present LBP episode at baseline

Range 3–12 months

Occupational physical activity (mainly):

Sitting

46 (14%)

Mostly walking

77 (23%)

Walking and some lifting

91 (27%)

Heavy work

118 (36%)