Assessment of physical activity in patients with chronic low back or neck pain

To investigate physical activity level in patients with chronic low back and neck pain.

32 preoperative patients, 32 outpatients with low back or neck pain and 32 healthy controls were included in study. The physical activity level of the participants was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Pain Disability Index, Short Form-36, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Beck Depression Inventory were used for assessment of disability, quality of life, sleep quality and depression.

Statistical significant differences was found in disability, sleep quality, depression, physical activity level and quality of life scores between three groups (p < 0.05). All scores of preoperative patients were significantly lower than outpatients except sleep parameter (p < 0.05). Sleep quality, disability and depression scores of patients with chronic neck pain were significantly lower and physical activity level and quality of life scores were significantly higher than patients' with chronic low back pain (p < 0.05).

Physical activity modification was found in patients with chronic low back and neck pain. Physical activity level, disability, sleep, depression and quality of life scores of preoperative patients with low back pain more affected than neck patients.