Low back pain (LBP) stands as a significant global health issue, leading to considerable disability. Despite the high recurrence rates of LBP within a year, effective strategies for its secondary prevention remain scarce. This study introduces the MyBack programme, an innovative tailored exercise and behavioural change initiative, aiming to address this gap. By evaluating its effectiveness and implementation within primary health care, this research seeks to offer a practical solution to reduce LBP recurrences and improve overall patient outcomes.
Study Design and Methodology
The research employs a hybrid type I, randomized controlled trial to assess the MyBack programme’s effectiveness and implementation. Utilizing the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and FITT-VP principles, the programme’s development integrates behaviour change and exercise components. Participants, who have recently recovered from non-specific LBP, will be randomly allocated to either the MyBack programme with usual care or a usual care group. The primary metric for evaluation is the risk of LBP recurrence, with secondary metrics including disability levels, pain intensity, musculoskeletal health, and health-related quality of life.
Monthly follow-ups over the course of a year will track participants’ progress. Additionally, cost data related to health care use and the MyBack programme will be collected. The implementation outcomes will be evaluated through a combination of qualitative methods (focus groups with participants and health providers) and quantitative data (study enrolment and participation data, participant adherence rates).
Expected Outcomes and Implications
This pioneering study aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding secondary prevention of LBP. By focusing on both the effectiveness and practical implementation of the MyBack programme, the research anticipates providing comprehensive data on its cost-effectiveness and potential to reduce direct and indirect costs associated with LBP recurrences. The successful implementation of the programme could significantly enhance healthcare for patients at risk of LBP, potentially leading to substantial societal benefits.
Concrete Inferences for Implementation
– Tailored exercise and behavioural change programmes like MyBack can significantly reduce the recurrence of LBP.
– Monthly follow-ups are crucial in monitoring and ensuring the adherence of participants to the programme.
– Effective implementation strategies involve both qualitative feedback from participants and quantitative adherence data.
– Collecting comprehensive cost data can help in assessing the economic feasibility and cost-effectiveness of such programmes.
This study represents the first of its kind to assess a tailored exercise and behaviour change programme for preventing LBP recurrences. Despite the complexity of its hybrid design, the anticipated data on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation could be instrumental in refining healthcare approaches for patients predisposed to LBP recurrences, contributing to reduced costs for both patients and the healthcare system.
Original Article: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Jun 5;25(1):440. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07542-7.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
