title: 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 24h day (-1.47h, 95% CI -2.70 to -0.23h, p<0.05), attributable to 1.01h less standing and 0.46h less walking. Depressive symptoms were a statistically significant independent predictor of time upright (beta=-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.
authors: School of Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK. cormac.ryan@gcal.ac.uk
authors: Cormac G
authors: CG
authors: Ryan
authors: Heather G
authors: HG
authors: Gray
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Newton
authors: Malcolm H
authors: MH
authors: Granat
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking