Individuals with chronic low back pain have a lower level, and an altered pattern, of physical activity compared with matched controls: an observational study

Is there a difference in the level and pattern of free-living physical activity between individuals with chronic low back pain and matched controls? Fifteen individuals with chronic low back pain and fifteen healthy controls matched for age, gender, and occupation. Participants wore an activity monitor for seven days. Level of physical activity was measured as time standing and walking, and number of steps averaged over a 24-hour day (midnight to midnight), day time (9.00 am - 4.00 pm), and evening time (6.00 pm - 10.00 pm), and work days versus non-work days. Pattern of physical activity was measured as number of steps and cadence during short (<20 continuous steps), moderate (20-100 continuous steps), long (> 100-499 continuous steps), and extra long walks (>= 500 continuous steps).