Lifestyle Program by Physio and Exercise Therapists for Adults with Lasting Low Back Pain and Overweight or Obesity A Randomized Study Comparing This Approach to Usual Care Over 3 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a combined lifestyle intervention integrated into standard care for patients with persistent low back pain LBP who are overweight or obese and referred back to primary care from the hospital. The study aims to improve physical functioning and physical activity over 36 months, while also reducing healthcare and societal costs. Lifestyle factors like physical inactivity, stress, sleep quality, excess weight, and diet are addressed because they contribute to LBP and related health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The intervention is delivered by certified physioexercise therapists following Dutch clinical guidelines. It includes a two-year program where the first six months focus on behavioral change, and the next 18 months focus on maintaining new healthy habits. The program uses group and individual sessions with techniques such as motivational interviewing and self-monitoring. Patients set their own goals and treatment is tailored to their lifestyle risks and LBP clinical factors. The comparison group receives usual care as prescribed by medical specialists, which may include education, exercise therapy, pain medication, or referral back to primary care. Participants will attend scheduled assessments at baseline and multiple follow-up points over 36 months. Researchers will measure physical activity using a device that tracks daily steps and assess physical functioning with a disability questionnaire. Additional evaluations include pain intensity, weight, sleep quality, diet, inflammation markers, quality of life, healthcare costs, and overall perceived effect. These measurements will help determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the combined lifestyle intervention compared to usual care in this patient group.

A Combined Lifestyle Intervention Delivered by Physio/exercise Therapists for Patients with Persistent Low Back Pain and Overweight or Obesity