TY - JOUR
T1 - The relationship between psychological distress and free-living physical activity in individuals with chronic low back pain
AU - Ryan, Cormac
AU - Gray, Heather G.
AU - Newton, Mary
AU - Granat, Malcolm H.
PY - 2010/4/1
Y1 - 2010/4/1
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=76049111509&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.math.2009.10.007
DO - 10.1016/j.math.2009.10.007
M3 - Article
C2 - 19945334
AN - SCOPUS:76049111509
VL - 15
SP - 185
EP - 189
JO - Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
JF - Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
SN - 2468-8630
IS - 2
ER -