Walking away from back pain: one step at a time - a community-based randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition with significant public health implications.
• Pedometer-driven walking shows promise as an acceptable and effective motivational tool for CLBP management.
• This study focuses on Saskatchewan, Canada, addressing the need for accessible and sustainable physical activity interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of a pedometer-driven walking program as a low-cost, accessible intervention for CLBP.
• To assess improvements in disability, clinical outcomes, and quality of life for individuals with CLBP.
• To explore participants' experiences with pedometer-driven walking as a management tool.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 200 adults with self-reported CLBP.
• Comparison between standard back care advice and education versus advice plus a 12-week pedometer-driven walking program.
• Weekly physiotherapist-facilitated monitoring and progression of the walking program via phone and in-person sessions.

Main Results:

• Outcome measures include self-reported disability, physical activity levels, pain beliefs, quality of life, and cost estimates.
• Data collection at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.
• Focus groups will explore participants' subjective experiences with the intervention.

Conclusions:

• The study is designed as a community-based RCT to evaluate the efficacy of pedometer-driven walking for CLBP management.
• Findings will inform the utility of this intervention in improving patient outcomes and promoting physical activity.