TTM-based counselling in physiotherapy does not contribute to an increase of adherence to activity recommendations in older adults with chronic low back pain--a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examines the outcome of counselling in physiotherapy based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in a sample of elderly individuals with chronic low back pain.


METHODS
In a prospective randomised trial with concealed assignment, elderly individuals with chronic low back pain were allocated to two treatment conditions. Both contained 10 sessions of physiotherapy, each of 20min duration. In addition, the experimental group (EG) received 10min counselling prior to every session based on the TTM, also provided by the physiotherapist, and the control group (CG) underwent a placebo ultrasound treatment with an inactivated device to control for the additional attention given to the EG. Assessments took place prior to the treatment (t1), immediately after termination of the treatment (t2), and at a 6-months follow-up. Outcome measures were physical activity calculated from one-week activity diaries, self-reported functional capacity, and range of motion measured by ultrasound topometry.


RESULTS
A total of 170 individuals (64% female) with a mean age of 70.3 years (SD=4.4, range 65-84) participated in the study. The retention rate was 90%. At t3, both EG and CG showed increased physical activity and functional capacity, but no change in range of motion. Effect sizes were large. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, motivational training did not result in a better outcome compared with placebo treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The study does not provide evidence that a short TTM-based motivation programme is superior to placebo treatment regarding adherence to activity recommendations.
Basler
Heinz-Dieter
HD
Institute for Medical Psychology, Philipp's University of Marburg, Bunsenstr. 3, D-35037 Marburg, Germany. basler@med.uni-marburg.de
Bertalanffy
Helmut
H
Quint
Sabine
S
Wilke
Axel
A
Wolf
Udo
U
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D015990:Placebo Effect; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography