Article

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential value of a new
personalized activity-based feedback treatment. METHOD:
A prognostic cohort study
was carried out in the daily environment of the patients. Seventeen individuals
with chronic lower back pain (CLBP) symptoms for >3 months were included.
Patients were from the Netherlands, aged 18-65 years. Patients wore an
accelerometer and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) for 15 d. Patients received
continuous and time-related personalized feedback and were instructed to follow
the activity pattern as displayed on the PDA. Technical performance and
compliance with the system were rated. Objective and subjective activity scores
were compared for exploring awareness. The absolute difference between the
activity pattern of the patient and the norm value used was calculated and
expressed as mean difference. Pain intensity was measured using the VAS. RESULTS:
The technical performance and compliance with the system were rated moderate.
More than half of the patients were aware of their activity level during the
feedback days (67%). A positive effect of the feedback was seen in a trend which
showed a decrease in the absolute difference between the activity pattern of the
patient and the norm value (p = 0.149) and a significant decrease in pain
intensity levels (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggested that an
individual-tailored feedback system that focuses on the activity behavior of the
patient has potential as the treatment of individuals with CLBP. Implications for
Rehabilitation Activity-based feedback for individuals with chronic low back
pain: Many patients are not aware of their activity patterns. The activity
patterns of patients differ from those of healthy controls. It is important to
make patients aware of their activity patterns in order to change activity
behavior. An individual-tailored feedback system seems promising in decreasing
pain intensity levels for a subgroup of patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS