Disease-Specific Knowledge, Physical Activity, and Physical Functioning Examination among Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Physical activity, physical functioning, and pain are some of the most critical factors of low back pain (LBP) treatment and prevention, but it was unknown that the back school program (BSP) influences the physical activity level of the patients with LBP. Data from 306 healthy patients and patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (cnsLBP) were used. We used the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire (LKQ), the visual analog scale, and the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The amount of sedentary time in cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP was significantly lower compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). Significantly higher moderate-intensity activities, leisure time activities, and active transportation were observed in the cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP than in the other two groups (p < 0.001). RMDQ scores and the pain intensity of the cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP were significantly lower than in patients with LBP receiving only exercise therapy (p < 0.001). The physical activity level and low-back-pain-specific knowledge was significantly higher, while back-related disability and pain intensity were significantly lower among patients with low back pain syndrome who participated in a back school program.

The Effect of Back School Intervention on Chinese Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

“…According to the physical activity guidelines for the Chinese population published in 2022 [34], our subjects met the basic physical activity requirements of 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week for Chinese individuals 18 years of age and older. Interestingly, the physical activity data embodied in the population in our study differed from that of a previous Hungarian study, and they found an increase in physical activity among the people after Back School [13]. A possible explanation for this might be due to differences in lifestyle habits considering the culture and age groups of the participants.…”

“…This idea is consistent with European clinical guidelines that emphasize the prevention and treatment of LBP by means of exercise and education [12]. It has been more than half a century since the Back School was proposed, but studies in different countries and populations continue to proliferate [13][14][15]. However, there are no studies related to the Chinese Back School.…”

Application of Disease-Specific Knowledge in the Rehabilitation Process – Based on the Effects of Back School Program among Chinese Adults

“…In our previous BSP intervention study in Hungarian patients with cLBP, it was found that those who were educated about the LBP-specific knowledge had an increased level of physical activity, improved knowledge and understanding of the LBP, and a reduced level of disability of pain [105].…”

“…Understanding the disease-specific aspects of LBP is crucial for preventing and treating spinal diseases [116], [117]. Some researchers have found a link between diseasespecific knowledge with effective prevention and rehabilitation [105], [118]. Therefore, knowledge of specific diseases can be developed through educational programs and measured through knowledge questionnaires.…”

“…It was later refined by rehabilitation practitioners and medical teams to provide education and rehabilitation services for people with LBP to improve their function and reduce the risk of future attacks [151]. To this day, it has been more than half a century since the BSP was proposed, but studies in different countries and populations continue to proliferate [100], [105], [152]. However, there are no studies related to Chinese BSP.…”