Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This project arose from changes to the guidelines concerning the treatment of acute low back pain which advocated an early resumption of normal physical activity and increased physical activity. It was felt that little was known about the relationship between low back pain and physical activity, or on the impact of that relationship on the promotion of increased levels of physical activity within a general practice population. The study sought to discover what were the factors that influence physical activity behaviour changes in individuals who, because of their low back pain, were referred to the trial by their GPs, and how were these factors associated with their individual perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and expectations regarding their low back pain.

Main Topics:

The main topics covered by this study are: health; acute low back pain; backache; back trouble; pain; physical exercise; medical treatment; patients.

Purposive selection/case studies

Face-to-face interview