Person-Centered, Physical Activity for Patients with Low Back Pain: Piloting Service Delivery.

Saul Bloxham,Joe Layden,Charles Peers,Phil Barter,Slafka Scragg,Slafka Scragg,Ben Jane

doi:10.3390/healthcare4020028

Saul Bloxham, Joe Layden + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare4020028

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Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly conditions in industrialized countries. Exercise therapy has been used to treat LBP, although typically using only one mode of exercise. This paper describes the method and initial findings of a person-centered, group physical activity programme which featured as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating LBP. Six participants (aged 50.7 ± 17 years) completed a six-week physical activity programme lasting two hours per week. A multicomponent approach to physical activity was adopted which included aerobic fitness, core activation, muscular strength and endurance, Nordic Walking, flexibility and exercise gaming. In addition, participants were required to use diary sheets to record physical activity completed at home. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in back strength (23%), aerobic fitness (23%), negative wellbeing (32%) and disability (16%). Person’s Correlation Coefficient analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between improvement in perceived pain and aerobic fitness (r = 0.93). It was concluded that a person-centered, multicomponent approach to physical activity may be optimal for supporting patients who self-manage LBP.

Highlights

Low back pain (LBP) is a major health concern in Western countries and is associated with high medical expenditure, work absence [1,2,3] and is the most common musculoskeletal condition [4,5,6]
This paper describes methods and initial findings from a six week multicomponent physical activity programme aimed at improving physical fitness, physical activity, disability and psychological wellbeing of non-specific LBP patients
The Local Health Authority had commissioned a multi-disciplinary team to treat sub-acute and chronic LBP consisting of Osteopathy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and exercise

Summary

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is a major health concern in Western countries and is associated with high medical expenditure, work absence [1,2,3] and is the most common musculoskeletal condition [4,5,6]. Back pain costs the UK National Health Service £1.3 million every day [1] and results in 12.5% of all work absence in the UK [10]. Contributory factors to LBP have included heavy physical work, physical fitness, social class, occupation and employment status, drug and alcohol use and smoking history [13,14]. Induction to fitness gym and aerobic equipment &. Explore aerobic equipment; 5–8 min on up to 4 different ergometers. Progressions of bird-dog, back saver sit up and side-plank; glut max and med strengthening

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