Physical activity supported by mobile technology program (PAT-Back) for older adults with back pain at primary care: a feasibility study protocol

Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is disabling in older adults. Although physical activity interventions positively affect LBP, older adults are underrepresented in the literature. We aim to investigate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate a primary care program of exercise therapy and pain education, supported by mobile technology, for older adults with chronic LBP (compared to best practice advice). Methods: In this parallel, two-arm randomized pilot trial, we will recruit adults aged 60 years and older with chronic LBP. The experimental group (Physical Activity supported by low-cost mobile technology for Back pain-PAT-Back) will consist of an 8-week group exercise program based on pain education, exercises, graded activities, and in-home physical activity. Text messages will be sent to promote adherence to home exercises. The control group will receive an evidence-based educational booklet given during one individual consultation. Outcomes will include recruitment rate, adherence and retention rates, level of understanding of the intervention content, perception of the utility of mobile technology, compliance with the accelerometer in a sub-sample of patients, and adverse events. Discussion: The results of this study will form the basis for a large randomized controlled trial. This innovative approach to managing LBP in the primary care setting for older adults, if proven to be effective, can bring an important advance in the knowledge of chronic LBP management to this population.