The relationship between psychological distress and free-living physical activity in individuals with chronic low back pain
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional pilot-study was to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and free-living physical activity (PA) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thirty-eight participants with non-specific CLBP (29
=
distressed; 9
=
non-distressed) were recruited. PA levels were measured using an accelerometer (activPAL™ activity monitor) over a one week period. The following parameters of physical activity were recorded: time upright (standing or walking), time standing, time walking, and step count. Psychological distress was assessed using a modified version of the distress risk assessment method (DRAM) which is a combination of somatic anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Distressed group spent significantly less time upright over a mean 24
h day (−1.47
h, 95% CI −2.70 to −0.23
h, p
<
0.05), attributable to 1.01
h less standing and 0.46
h less walking. Depressive symptoms were a statistically significant independent predictor of time upright (β
=
−0.49, p
<
0.05). This pilot-study found that individuals with CLBP and elevated levels of distress spend less time upright than their non-distressed counterparts. Clinically, when treating individuals with CLBP and elevated distress levels, free-living PA may be low and interventions aimed at increasing upright activity may be appropriate.
Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Psychological distress, Physical activity
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PII: S1356-689X(09)00189-1
doi:10.1016/j.math.2009.10.007
© 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
