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The following is a summary of “Digitally supported physical activity counselling for people with chronic back pain: a randomised controlled parallel feasibility study,” published in the February 2025 issue of BMC Primary Care by Lindner et al.
Initiating and maintaining physical activity (PA) in chronic back pain (CBP) is challenging. Digital tools offer innovative solutions to enhance adherence.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the feasibility of the Exercise against Pain (ExPa) app for supporting PA consultations in chronic back pain. ExPa personalized support and pain-tracking features showed potential for a future effectiveness trial.
They conducted a 2-arm randomized controlled feasibility study with 9 physicians and 37 patients with CBP in Hesse, Germany. Using computer-assisted cluster randomization, 14 patients received ExPa counseling, and 17 received standard treatment. Main outcomes assessed study procedures and software use, while secondary outcomes included PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), pain, mood (SF-12, Von Korff score, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Project-tailored questionnaires and qualitative interviews evaluated study procedures and software performance.
The results showed that study procedures were feasible but time-consuming, with dropouts and missing data as challenges. Quantitative and qualitative data suggested ExPa could increase PA and reduce pain, providing insights for an effective trial.
Investigators found that improved procedures were needed for a larger RCT. ExPa had potential to positively impact pain and PA.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-025-02742-z
