Levels of physical activity in people with chronic pain.
Romy Parker, Emma Bergman, Anelisiwe Mntambo and 2 others
PMID 30135895WHAT IT FOUND
People with chronic pain took fewer steps and walked shorter distances than matched controls, but both groups were mostly inactive.
Key findings
01People with chronic pain had significantly lower mean daily pedometry readings than controls (2985.1 vs 6409.4).
02Physical performance was significantly worse in the chronic pain group: 17.9 s for sit-to-stand vs 7.85 s, and 335 m for the 6-minute walk vs 680 m.
03IPAQ categories did not differ significantly, and 58.33% of participants were classified as inactive.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 24 participants were analysed, although the planned sample was 45, so the findings may not generalise. The study compared groups at one time, so it cannot show that chronic pain caused low physical activity. Pedometers were used for between-group comparison and may not capture movement patterns or all physical activity accurately. Controls were not matched for weight, and the chronic pain group had higher BMI, which could affect activity levels. The self-report IPAQ did not show group differences, so it was less sensitive than pedometer and performance measures here.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that chronic pain caused the lower activity levels. The study measured activity and pain at one time and did not test whether increasing activity reduces pain or disability.