Assessment of physical activity in patients with common low back pain: A case–control study

Abstract

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) can help reduce pain and physical deconditioning. The main aim of our study was to assess the PA level in patients with low back pain (LBP) and in healthy controls, using a self-report questionnaire.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional case–control study of a group of patients followed for more than 12 weeks with LBP and a control group. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sedentary mean time was measured in minutes per week.

Results

Patients and controls had the same gender proportion: 33 patients and 33 controls (7 men and 26 women) were included. In the patients, the mean duration of LBP was 6 ± 6.7 years. Total PA was lower in patients (4524 ± 4084 MET (metabolic equivalent of task)-min/week [99–17228]) than in controls (5782 ± 7598 MET-min/week [120–30933]) (p = 0.293). Thirty-three percent of patients did not meet World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA for health versus 13% of controls (p = 0.05). Level of PA was high in 42% of patients versus 34% of controls (p = 0.05). Weekly sedentary time was lower in patients than in controls (p = 0.076). According to patients, main factors for physical inactivity were lack of free time (48.5%) and LBP pain (33%). In univariate analysis, low PA level was significantly associated with spinal mobility as assessed by the ST (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Given the evidence of feasibility and safety, a PA adapted and personalized for each individual suffering from chronic LBP should be an integral part of their treatment.