Digitally supported physical activity counselling for people with chronic back pain: a randomised controlled parallel feasibility study

TL;DR

A digital app called ExPa was tested to help people with chronic back pain increase physical activity, showing potential for future use.

Contribution

The study introduces ExPa, a digital tool for physical activity counseling in chronic back pain patients, evaluated for feasibility and acceptability.

Findings

Study procedures were feasible but faced challenges like time consumption and dropouts.

ExPa showed potential to increase physical activity and reduce pain in users.

Qualitative feedback suggested ExPa could be beneficial for future effectiveness trials.

Abstract

Guiding individuals with chronic back pain (CBP) to initiate and adhere to physical activity (PA) remains challenging. The study rationale is based on the need for innovative strategies, like digital tools, to better promote PA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using the digital consultation app ExPa (Exercise against Pain) to support PA consultations for CBP and its potential for a future effectiveness trial. The ExPa app shows the effect of PA on pain and provides individually tailored support to increase PA.

In a 2-arm randomised controlled feasibility study, we recruited 9 physicians and 37 CBP patients in Hesse (Germany). Using computer assisted cluster randomisation, 14 patients received ExPa counselling from their physician, while 17 patients received standard treatment. Main outcomes focused on study procedures and software use, with secondary outcome including pre- and post-intervention measurements of PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), pain and mood (Short Form-12 (SF-12), Von Korff pain intensity and disability score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Additionally, project-tailored questionnaires and qualitative interviews assessed study procedures and software performance.

Study procedures were generally feasible. However, they took more time and dropouts as well as missing data presented challenges. This provided valuable insights for planning an effectiveness trial. Quantitative and qualitative data indicated that ExPa could have benefits for increasing PA and reducing pain.

Results from the feasibility study indicate that improved procedures are necessary for a larger RCT. ExPa shows potential for positively impacting pain and PA.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-025-02742-z.

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