Comparing the responsiveness of objective and subjective physical activity-related measures in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

Abstract

The non-specific low back pain is a prevalent condition in the general population. Despite various therapies in the field of low back pain effects are small to moderate. One potential factor that may influence the effectiveness of current therapies is the type of measure used in clinical trials. Subjective measures have traditionally been used in this area, whereas evidence regarding objective measures are scarce. Objective: to compare the responsiveness of four measures: one measure of disability in individuals with low back pain (Roland Morris questionnaire), two subjective measures of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ - long version and Baecke questionnaire) and one objective measure of physical activity (accelerometer) in a population 82 patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The evidence from this study will help us to understand the role of objective and subjective measure of physical activity in people with low back pain. It will also clarify whether levels of physical activity change during the course of treatment.