None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This project aims to compare the effect of a swimming and education program compared to education only control. Adults in Australia will be eligible to participate in the program if they have chronic low back pain, are able to demonstrate water competency and are willing to complete an 8-week program. The participants who are allocated to the swimming and education program will receive an individualized swimming program and access to a local swimming pool over 8 weeks. The swimming program will be delivered and adjusted 4 sessions with a physiotherapist, delivered over telehealth. The primary outcome is function related to low back pain, measured at 8 weeks. Participants allocated to the education only group will be provided with a brief education session, with an optional second session, and compensated for their time to complete surveys using e-gift vouchers.
Interventions
Name: Swimming and education program for low back pain
Procedures:
A total of four physiotherapy sessions will be completed over telehealth. The initial session will last approximately 45 minutes. The three follow up sessions will be approximately 20 minutes each, occurring at approximately 1 week, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks after the first consultation.
In the initial session the participant will be introduced to the swimming program and education on low back pain. The swimming program intensity, fr
Name: Swimming and education program for low back pain Procedures: A total of four physiotherapy sessions will be completed over telehealth. The initial session will last approximately 45 minutes. The three follow up sessions will be approximately 20 minutes each, occurring at approximately 1 week, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks after the first consultation. In the initial session the participant will be introduced to the swimming program and education on low back pain. The swimming program intensity, frequency and duration will be based on the participant’s current swimming ability and fitness and a general goal to achieve 3 swimming sessions of 30-45 minutes per week by the 8th week. There are no limitations on the minimum or maximum dosage. The final dose will be agreed upon between the participants and the physiotherapist. The following three telehealth sessions will be used to help progress the swimming program, overcome barriers and provide education on a modern understanding of low back pain. Access to a local swimming pool will be provided to the participants, free of cost. Health coaching will be provided to assist participants with identifying and overcoming barriers to completing the program. Who provides: A physiotherapist with a minimum 2 years of clinical experience and who has training in health coaching. Tailoring: The swimming program will be tailored to participant goals, current swimming capacity and participant preferences. Adherence: Adherence to the participant's swimming program will be assessed at each physiotherapy session and health coaching techniques will be used to identify barriers and facilitate adherence to the program. A written diary will be used to record swimming progress.
Sponsors
Macquarie University
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
Adult participants will need to fulfil the following: A current episode of non-specific low back pain, lasting at least 12 weeks, with or without leg pain. Experiencing at least some disability due to low back pain (defined as “a little bit” and above on an adapted item 22 of the SF-36). A minimum of 3/10 average pain in the last 7 days on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Able to swim 25 metres and report confidence in water competency (as defined by The Red Cross Water Competency). Willing and able to complete a swimming program.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they meet the following: Have been diagnosed with a medical condition that could impact their ability to exercise/swim safely unless they have been cleared to exercise by their General Practitioner. Have a serious spinal pathology such as cancer, fracture, or infection. Are pregnant or given birth in the last 3 months. Presence of radicular pain (dermatomal pain extending below the knee, which is more intense than the low back pain) or radiculopathy (loss of power, sensation, or reflexes in the lower extremity). Currently achieving more than 150 min of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity weekly (across a minimum of 3 days/week). Participation in regular swimming (not including hydrotherapy) in the last 12 months (completing >2 sessions per month, more than 50m at a time). Currently experiencing a musculoskeletal condition of the lower or upper limb that would limit their ability to swim. Insufficient English to comprehend study questions and instructions.
Outcome results
None listed