A new University of Sydney study is set to examine whether post-treatment exercise helps to improve long-term outcomes of people with lower back pain.
In a statement, the University said the Buddy Pilot Study was looking for ways to improve discharge care for older people with chronic low back pain.
“We are inviting people over 50 years of age with chronic low back pain who have been discharged from care in the past month to participate,” it said.
The University is recruiting participants from NSW, SA and QLD – with participants able to take part remotely.
“We know that most older Australians do not meet physical activity recommendations, especially those suffering from chronic low back pain.”
“Participating in the study represents an opportunity to have long term support after treatment for low back pain and to increase physical activity participation.
“It might lead to positive effects on low back pain symptoms and other health-related outcomes.”
Lower back pain significantly affects older Australians, leading to decreases in functional capacity, quality of life, and social activities.
It is associated with decreased levels of physical activity and with a greater number of comorbidities.
A survey performed in Australia in 2018 found that around 75% of older Australians do not meet the physical activity guidelines, ie: do not perform more than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
“Even though evidence calls attention to physical activity as medicine for older adults and for recovery from low back pain, the vast majority of the older population is still inactive,” the statement said.
“This study aims to see whether exercising after discharge for treatment for low back pain improves outcomes for people with low back pain and decreases health care utilisation. It also aims to assess whether exercising with a ‘buddy’ is better than exercising alone.”
Participants will be allocated to one of the three groups:
1. Control Group: participants will continue with usual care and follow the advice given by their treating health care professional;
2. Health Coaching Group: participants will receive up to 13 coaching sessions through the NSW Get Healthy Initiative to encourage them to increase their physical activity;
3. Buddy Group: participants will receive the same 13 coaching sessions and will be asked to exercise with a partner or buddy once a week.
Participants will be asked to complete short surveys at the beginning of the study, at three months and at six months.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are 50 years old or over;
- Have low back pain for at least 3 months;
- Have had low back pain in the intensity of at least 2/10 points in a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain possible);
- Are currently engaging in less than 300 min of physical activity per week;
- Have adequate hearing and eyesight to exercise safely;
- Walk independently;
- Have an exercise buddy who would be willing to exercise together at least once per week for 30 minutes if required.
How to participate
If you are interested in assisting with this important and exciting area of research, please complete our pre-screening survey.
