Understanding back pain better (LBP-Trajectories) Exploring Multidimensional Temporal Trajectories of Low Back Pain Progression and Remission
This project will contribute to a better understanding of the role of movement behavior in the development of low back pain and improve current therapeutic approaches.
Factsheet
- Institute(s) Physiotherapy
- Research unit(s) Spinal Movement Biomechanics
- Funding organisation Schweizerischer Nationalfonds (SNF)
- Duration (planned) 01.06.2024 - 31.05.2028
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Stefan Schmid
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Project staff
Prof. Dr. Guillaume Christe
Arlene Vivienne von Aesch
Dr. Niels Brouwer
Dr. Lucas Moulin (Mourot)
Prof. Dr. Laura Raileanu
Prof. Dr. Alice Kongsted
PD Dr. Michael Meier
André Anton Meichtry - Keywords Low back pain, Longitudinal correlation, Spinal movement, Disability, Negative beliefs, Motor behavior, Physical acticvity, pain-related fear, Time series
Initial situation
More than 80 percent of the population experience at least one episode of non-specific low back pain in their lifetime (i.e., without an identified structural cause such as a fracture). Longitudinal observations of pain intensity suggest that there are individual patterns of back pain, known as phenotypes, which could benefit from different treatment approaches. It is assumed that similar phenotypes also exist for the motor behavior of back pain patients, but there is currently a lack of long-term studies with large sample sizes investigating this topic.
Goals
To better understand the disease mechanisms (causes) of low back pain and to tailor treatment strategies more effectively to individual patients, this project aims to describe the temporal trajectories of motor behavior and to examine their interrelationships with pain intensity, various psychological factors, and limitations in daily life.
Approach
In the first phase, a smartphone application will be developed and validated, enabling the assessment of the above-mentioned factors using the device’s integrated motion sensors and interactive questionnaires.
In the second phase, a longitudinal study with regular follow-ups over a six-month period will be conducted to capture the temporal trajectories of these and additional factors in 300 patients with acute and 300 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Data will be collected through independent use of the mobile application and by wearing a fitness tracker (Garmin Vivosmart 5).
Results
We expect to identify 2-4 temporal trajectory subgroups for motor behavior parameters, and to gain insight on potential interrelations with pain, psychological factors, and disability.
Funding organisation
Interested in the survey?
Would you like to participate in the survey starting on 15 September? You can find all the information you need here: Understanding back pain better: participants wanted for important study