Skill training preferences and technology use in persons with neck and low back pain

Abstract

Neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) are highly prevalent. Exercise therapy helps, but effect sizes and therapy compliance remain low. Client-centred therapy and technology use may play a role to improve therapy outcomes. To offer technology supported rehabilitation matching patient’s goals, training preferences for rehabilitation and technology familiarity need to be known.

Purpose: This study aims to (1) inventory training preferences and motives, (2) evaluate whether these change during rehabilitation, and (3) evaluate familiarity with using technologies, in persons with NP/LBP.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with regard to training preferences and usage of mainstream technological devices.

Results: Persons with NP (n = 40) preferred to train on “lifting”, “prolonged sitting” and “driving a car”. Persons with LBP (n = 40) preferred to train on “household activities”, “lifting” and “prolonged walking”. Motives were predominantly “ability to work” and “ability to do free time occupations”. Preferences shifted in ranking but remained the same during rehabilitation. Participants were familiar with the surveyed technologies.

Conclusion: Persons with NP or LBP prefer to train on exercises supporting the improvement of everyday life skills. They use technologies in their professional and personal life, which may lower the threshold for the adoption of rehabilitation technologies.