Adolescents' perceptions of being physically active in the presence of lowback pain - an interview study

The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge adolescents with low back pain (LBP) need and already claim to have about being in motion despite pain, and how they search to increase this knowledge.

Face-to-face semi-structured, in-depth interviews based on an interview guide were conducted with 15 adolescents with LBP recruited from a senior secondary school in Gothenburg, Sweden and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

An overarching theme "Stuck in ambivalence" emerged, comprising three categories: "Existing knowledge is insufficient," "Searching for trustworthy information" and "Making sense of the new information" based on six sub-categories that together illustrate the participants' thoughts and beliefs about being physically active despite LBP. Their lives were negatively affected by not fully understanding the cause of their pain or what they can do to alleviate it. They wanted information tailored to their specific needs and searched for support and guidance to feel safe and gain confidence in the ability of their body to move and exercise.

The participants were aware of the benefits of remaining physically active despite LBP but were unsure how to apply this knowledge. Healthcare professionals should support adolescents with LBP by means of person-centered guidance about how they can turn information about pain and activity into health-promoting knowledge. It is of the utmost importance to apply a person-centered approach when providing evidence-based information.