Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Is There a Correlation Between Objective Measurement Tools and Self-Reporting Questionnaires To Evaluate Physical
Tanja E Hamm-Faber1, Kris C P Vissers2, Ewald Bronkhorst3
1Department of Pain Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
The effect of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on physical activity in patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) type 2 is commonly evaluated with standardized, validated self-reporting questionnaires. However, questionnaires are susceptible to subjective bias and may not align with objective data.
Objective:
We investigated the correlation among objective measurement devices, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and patient's health status regarding physical activity in patients with PSPS type 2 receiving SCS.
Materials And Methods:
Alongside the ODI, we used an activity tracker to objectively measure physical activity and a neurostimulator device to objectively measure body positions at baseline and three-month follow-up. In addition, health status was measured using the positive model of health.
Results:
We included 20 patients, of whom 17 completed the three-month follow-up period. At three months follow-up, we found a significant correlation between the activity tracker's steps (r = -0.636, p = 0.006) and distance per day (r = -0.649, p = 0.005) with the ODI and a significant correlation of the neurostimulator's mobile position with the ODI (r = -0.497, p = 0.043). Furthermore, the activity tracker showed a significant increase in strenuous physical activity at three-month follow-up (p = 0.039). We also observed a substantial improvement across the domains of bodily function, social and societal participation, and daily functioning of the positive model of health.
Conclusions:
This study showed significant correlations among objective measurement devices, the ODI, and health status, which could contribute to a more holistic approach to evaluating the effect of SCS. Prospective powered studies with a control group are needed to better understand this area.
Clinical Trial Registration:
The protocol was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR) on March 13, 2021 under registration number NL 9301 (number NL-OMON21829).
