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 ) .
Pedometer-driven Walking for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Objectives : To evaluate the feasibility of an RCT of a pedometer-driven walking program and education/advice to remain active compared with education/advice only for treatment of chronic low back pain ( CLBP ) . Methods : Fifty-seven participants with CLBP recruited from primary care were r and omly allocated to either : ( 1 ) education/advice ( E , n=17 ) or ( 2 ) education/advice plus an 8-week pedometer-driven walking program ( EWP , n=40 ) . Step targets , actual daily step counts , and adverse events were recorded in a walking diary over the 8 weeks of intervention for the EWP group only . All other outcomes ( eg , functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Question naire ( ODQ ) , pain scores , physical activity ( PA ) measurement etc . ) were recorded at baseline , week 9 ( immediately post-intervention ) , and 6 months in both groups . Results : The recruitment rate was 22 % and the dropout rate was lower than anticipated ( 13 % to 18 % at 6 mo ) . Adherence with the EWP was high , 93 % ( n=37/40 ) walked for ≥6 weeks , and increased their steps/day ( mean absolute increase in steps/d , 2776 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 1996 - 3557 ) by 59 % ( 95 % CI , 40.73%-76.25 % ) from baseline . Mean percentage adherence with weekly step targets was 70 % ( 95 % CI , 62%-77 % ) . Eight ( 20 % ) minor-related adverse events were observed in 13 % ( 5/40 ) of the participants . The EWP group participants demonstrated an 8.2 % point improvement ( 95 % CI , −13 to −3.4 ) on the ODQ at 6 months compared with 1.6 % points ( 95 % CI , –9.3 to 6.1 ) for the E group ( between group d=0.44 ) . There was also a larger mean improvement in pain ( d=0.4 ) and a larger increase in PA ( d=0.59 ) at 6 months in EWP . Discussion : This preliminary study demonstrated that a main RCT is feasible . EWP was safe and produced a real increase in walking ; CLBP function and pain improved , and participants perceived a greater improvement in their PA levels . These improvements require confirmation in a fully powered RCT
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 ) .