Study protocol

Does physical activity change predict functional recovery in low back pain? Protocol for a prospective cohort study

Paul Hendrick¹ , Stephan Milosavljevic¹ , Melanie L Bell² , Leigh Hale¹ , Deirdre A Hurley³ , Suzanne M McDonough⁴ , Markus Melloh⁵ and David G Baxter¹

¹Centre for Physiotherapy Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

²Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

³School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland

⁴Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

⁵Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

author email corresponding author email

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2009, 10:136doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-136

Published:	6 November 2009

Abstract

Background

Activity advice and prescription are commonly used in the management of low back pain (LBP). Although there is evidence for advising patients with LBP to remain active, facilitating both recovery and return to work, to date no research has assessed whether objective measurements of free living physical activity (PA) can predict outcome, recovery and course of LBP.

Methods

An observational longitudinal study will investigate PA levels in a cohort of community-dwelling working age adults with acute and sub-acute LBP. Each participant's PA level, functional status, mood, fear avoidance behaviours, and levels of pain, psychological distress and occupational activity will be measured on three occasions during for 1 week periods at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year. Physical activity levels will be measured by self report, RT3 triaxial accelerometer, and activity recall questionnaires. The primary outcome measure of functional recovery will be the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Free living PA levels and changes in functional status will be quantified in order to look at predictive relationships between levels and changes in free living PA and functional recovery in a LBP population.

Discussion

This research will investigate levels and changes in activity levels of an acute LBP cohort and the predictive relationship to LBP recovery. The results will assess whether occupational, psychological and behavioural factors affect the relationship between free living PA and LBP recovery. Results from this research will help to determine the strength of evidence supporting international guidelines that recommend restoration of normal activity in managing LBP.

Trial registration

[Clinical Trial Registration Number, ACTRN12609000282280]