Video-game based exercises for older people with chronic low back pain: a protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the GAMEBACK trial).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of implementing a video-game exercise programme for older people with chronic low back pain (LBP).


METHODS
Single-centred single-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT).


METHODS
Physiotherapy outpatient department in a public hospital in Western Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
We will recruit 60 participants over 55 years old with chronic LBP from the waiting list.


METHODS
Participants will be randomised to receive video-game exercise (n=30) or to remain on the waiting list (n=30) for 8 weeks, with follow up at 3 and 6 months. Participants engaging in video-game exercises will be unsupervised and will complete video-game exercise for 60minutes, 3 times per week. Participants allocated to remain on the waiting list will be encouraged to maintain their usual levels of physical activity.


METHODS
The primary outcomes for this feasibility study will be study processes (recruitment and response rates, adherence to and experience with the intervention, and incidence of adverse events) relevant to the future design of a large RCT. Estimates of treatment efficacy (point estimates and 95% confidence intervals) on pain self-efficacy, care seeking, physical activity, fear of movement/re-injury, pain, physical function, disability, falls-efficacy, strength, and walking speed, will be our secondary outcome measures.


RESULTS
Recruitment for this trial began in November 2015.


CONCLUSIONS
This study describes the rationale and processes of a feasibility study investigating a video-game exercise programme for older people with chronic LBP. Results from the feasibility study will inform on the design and sample required for a large multicentre RCT.


BACKGROUND
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000703505.
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia. Electronic address: jzad3326@uni.sydney.edu.au.
Joshua Robert
JR
Zadro
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Debra
D
Shirley
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Milena
M
Simic
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Seyed Javad
SJ
Mousavi
Physiotherapy Department, Westmead Public Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd and Darcy Rd, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Dragana
D
Ceprnja
Physiotherapy Department, Westmead Public Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Cnr Hawkesbury Rd and Darcy Rd, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Katherine
K
Maka
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Paulo
P
Ferreira
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018910:Video Games
Exercise therapy; Low back pain; Video-game technology; Wii