Back Pain Study

Objectives: To examine the knowledge of LBP and physical activity for people with LBP among practitioners prescribing or delivering physical activity in the community. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to physiotherapists and physical trainers involved in the delivery of exercise programs in Hamilton, Ontario. Results: A total of 14 (35.9%) physiotherapists and 25 (64.1%) physical trainers completed the survey. Both physiotherapists and trainers routinely assessed their client’s physical activity but used different tools to track physical activity. Both groups demonstrated high confidence in prescribing physical activity although there were differences in what each group constitutes physical activity for their patients. The results showed that trainers had more pessimistic beliefs about LBP compared to physiotherapists using the back beliefs questionnaire, T(34) = -3.81, p < 0.01 and a modified version of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, T(33) = -3.04, p < 0.01. Conclusions: An educational program targeting those delivering physical activity programs in the community, which focuses on attitudes, beliefs, and recommendations for prescribing physical activity for patients with LBP could improve the uptake of physical activity in this patient group.