Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .
The Back 2 Activity Trial: education and advice versus education and advice plus a structured walking programme for chronic low back pain
Background Current evidence supports the use of exercise-based treatment for chronic low back pain that encourages the patient to assume an active role in their recovery . Walking has been shown it to be an acceptable type of exercise with a low risk of injury . However , it is not known whether structured physical activity programmes are any more effective than giving advice to remain active . Methods / Design The proposed study will test the feasibility of using a pedometer-driven walking programme , as an adjunct to a st and ard education and advice session in participants with chronic low back pain . Fifty adult participants will be recruited via a number of different sources . Baseline outcome measures including self reported function ; objective physical activity levels ; fear-avoidance beliefs and health-related quality of life will be recorded . Eligible participants will be r and omly allocated under strict , double blind conditions to one of two treatments groups . Participants in group A will receive a single education and advice session with a physiotherapist based on the content of the ' Back Book ' . Participants in group B will receive the same education and advice session . In addition , they will also receive a grade d pedometer-driven walking programme prescribed by the physiotherapist . Follow up outcomes will be recorded by the same research er , who will remain blinded to group allocation , at eight weeks and six months post r and omisation . A qualitative exploration of participants ' perception of walking will also be examined by use of focus groups at the end of the intervention . As a feasibility study , treatment effects will be represented by point estimates and confidence intervals . The assessment of participant satisfaction will be tabulated , as will adherence levels and any recorded difficulties or adverse events experienced by the participants or therapists . This information will be used to modify the planned interventions to be used in a larger r and omised controlled trial . Discussion This paper describes the rationale and design of a study which will test the feasibility of using a structured , pedometer-driven walking programme in participants with chronic low back pain . Trial Registration [ IS RCT N67030896
Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .