Exercise snacks as an intervention for people with chronic low back pain: Feasibility and efficacy

• Grant number: 24/12295-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro
• Grantee: Jocassia Silva Pinheiro
• Supervisor: Matthew David Jones
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/13197-3 - Effects of adding Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) during a walking program for individuals with chronic low back pain: blinded randomized clinical trial, BP.DD

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is currently a major public health challenge on a global scale. This condition affects various age groups and is one of the main causes of years lived with disability, having a considerable adverse impact on quality of life. In addition, individuals with chronic low back pain are increasingly withdrawn from physical activity, which can further aggravate their condition. Objective: To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an Exercise snacks intervention developed by clinicians, researchers, and CLBP patients. The hypothesis is that the jointly designed intervention will be feasible and improve physical activity and clinical outcomes in adults with chronic low back pain. Methodology: The intervention will be based on the results of stage one, based on preliminary feedback from patients, and will probably involve a decentralized trial conducted via telehealth. The sample will be approximately 30 patients, physically inactive adults, who perform less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, with pain intensity e 3. The intervention will last approximately eight weeks. The intended treatment protocol is Exercise snacks, which will be personalized, supported by a qualified health professional and complemented by evidence-based approaches to improve adherence. The institution and researcher chosen are like the fellow's project and have the same target population, showing the scholarship's relevance abroad and bringing in the latest technology. The equipment and methodology will bring intellectual advances to the fellow and the laboratory. All the studies and their progress are on schedule and within the work plan.