None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This trial will investigate the effect of using a Fitbit device to facilitate a walking intervention in addition to usual care provided by a physiotherapist. We will be able to determine the effect of progressive walking in management LBP. We have developed the Fitbit facilitated walking intervention program to improve the patients’ adherence to the graded walking program and then increasing the physical activity level. Results from this study will inform clinical practice by providing evidence about the effectiveness of this program in reducing disability and pain, increasing physical activity levels, and improving functional and psychological status in participants with LBP.
Interventions
Participants in the experimental group will receive a Fitbit walking intervention provided by the investigators in addition to usual physiotherapy care provided by their treating physiotherapist.
During the baseline period, participants will be requested to wear a physical activity monitor (Fitbit Flex wearable device) for seven continuous days, to measure the total number of habitual walking steps per week. The baseline average daily walking steps for participants will be calculated by dividin
Participants in the experimental group will receive a Fitbit walking intervention provided by the investigators in addition to usual physiotherapy care provided by their treating physiotherapist. During the baseline period, participants will be requested to wear a physical activity monitor (Fitbit Flex wearable device) for seven continuous days, to measure the total number of habitual walking steps per week. The baseline average daily walking steps for participants will be calculated by dividing the total number of habitual walking steps per week by seven (total walking steps per week/7). During the intervention each participant’s average daily walking steps will be progressed each week by a minimum of 10%. To comply with current physical activity guidelines, participants will be asked to walk the prescribed number of steps at a moderate intensity (i.e. brisk walking, 100 step/min). Participants will be asked to partake in the prescribed walking program at least five days per week for 8 weeks. Participants in the experimental group will attend a training session delivered by the investigator to: 1) install and set up the Fitbit wearable device and account, 2) register the participant in the 10,000 Steps website and synchronise the device with the Fitbit account, and 3) provided with instructions of using the device and account including monitoring step counts as well as other features. Additionally, participants will receive a handbook detailing all of the instructions provided from the training session.
Sponsors
The University of Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants will be included in this study if they: 1) are diagnosed by physiotherapist with non-specific LBP; 2) are aged 18 years or over; 3) are categorized as being at medium or high risk of chronicity using STarT Back Screening Tool; 4) are classified as physically inactive (those who engage in less than 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity, or less than 75 minutes/week of vigorous intensity or an equivalent combination of the two intensities of physical activity as determined by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); 5) are ready and able to participate in physical activity as determined by The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Those deemed not fit to participate in physical activity by the PAR-Q or aged over 69 years, will need a clearance from their medical practitioner before engaging in physical activity; 6) have internet access.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they have any: 1) contraindications to physical exercise (cardiovascular diseases e.g. myocardial infarction, embolism, or uncontrolled diabetes; orthopaedic impairments; balance problems); 2) serious spinal pathologies (e.g. fractures, tumours or inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis); 3) neurological compromise (e.g. spinal nerve compromise or cauda equina syndrome); 4) pregnancy.
Outcome results
None listed