Psychological factors show limited association with the severity of Achilles tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial factors and the severity of Achilles tendinopathy, along with exploring their potential link to the pain's duration. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 111 individuals with Achilles tendon pain was conducted. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 111 individuals with Achilles tendon pain was conducted. Various psychological factors were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Additionally, the severity of Achilles tendon pain was evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-Br). Regression analyses were employed to determine the association of these psychosocial factors with pain severity and duration. RESULTS: Self-efficacy for chronic pain showed a slight association with Achilles tendon pain severity (ß = 0.42 [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.16], p = 0.001), explaining only 19% of the dependent variable. The other variables, including anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement, did not exhibit significant associations. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that psychological factors demonstrate limited association with the severity of Achilles tendinopathy. While self-efficacy for chronic pain was weakly associated, its clinical relevance remains uncertain. Future research, particularly longitudinal studies, should explore the influence of psychosocial factors on treatment adherence and response to enhance management strategies for Achilles tendon pain.

Physical Activity Supported by Low-Cost Mobile Technology for Back Pain (PAT-Back) to Reduce Disability in Older Adults: Results of a Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of a multimodal program (PAT-Back) compared to best practice advice on pain and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) in primary care. METHODS: This feasibility study took place in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. The PAT-Back intervention consisted of a program including exercises, pain education, and motivational text messages for the in-home component. The control group received an evidence-based educational booklet. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, adherence and retention rates, level of difficulty of the education and intervention content, perception of utility of mobile technology, and adverse events. The feasibility criteria were previously defined. RESULTS: A total of 248 people were screened, of which 46 older adults were eligible. The retention rate was high (100% in the PAT-Back group and 95% in the control group). The adherence rate to intervention was partially met (60%), whereas the adherence rate to unsupervised exercises was adequate (75%), and perception about safety to perform home exercise was partially acceptable (70%) in the PAT-Back group. In addition, 100% of older adults reported which text messages motivated them to perform the exercises in the PAT-Back group. Difficulty reported by participants in understanding and performing the intervention was small in both groups. Six participants reported transient adverse events in both groups. CONCLUSION: Older adults accepted both interventions. Results demonstrated that the program is feasible, although minor changes targeting adherence and safety in home exercise are needed. IMPACT: This feasibility study supports progression to a full trial investigating the effectiveness of a multimodal program (PAT-Back) on pain and disability in older adults with chronic LBP within a primary health care setting in low to middle income countries where such data from the older population are scarce and the burden of LBP is increasing.

Questionnaires that assess disability in children and adolescents with low back pain adhere to the concepts of the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF), but lack validity for this population: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) that assess disability in children and adolescents with low back pain (LBP), analyzing their adherence to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) biopsychosocial model; and to describe the measurement properties of these PROMs. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Embase and CINAHL databases. The review included searches up to March 2022. Meaningful concepts of the PROMs were linked to ICF domains, and we manually searched for the measurement properties of each included PROM. RESULTS: We included 23 studies, of which eight PROMs were analyzed. We retrieved 182 concepts in total. Activities was the domain with the highest number of linked concepts, whereas personal factors had no linked concepts. The modified Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire (mHFAQ) and the Micheli Functional Scale (MFS) had measurement properties tested in children and adolescents, but had no information about construct validity. CONCLUSION: Although most of the identified PROMs had broad coverage of their concepts in the ICF, only two PROMs had measurement properties tested in the population of interest in this review, in which the mHFAQ presented wide coverage in relation to the ICF. Further studies are needed to investigate content validity of these PROMs.

This review adds evidence to the area of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents, which is still underexplored.Valid adult Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have been used to assess disability in children and adolescents with low back pain. However, it is recommended to use PROMs that are tested and valid for evaluation of the population of interest.The activities domain was the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domain that presented the highest number of linked concepts, whereas concepts from personal factors were absent.The modified Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire and the Micheli Functional Scale could potentially be used to assess disability in children and adolescents with low back pain, but high-quality studies are needed for the measurement properties, in particular content validity and responsiveness.

Is it time to rethink disability assessment in low back pain? Reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Brazilian WHODAS 2.0 for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) was developed to assess health and disability based on the biopsychosocial model. The WHODAS 2.0 has not been validated for Brazilians with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). We aimed to evaluate the reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the WHODAS 2.0 in patients with chronic LBP. METHODS: Methodological study. The Brazilian version of the WHODAS 2.0 was applied to 100 volunteers with chronic nonspecific LBP. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were assessed using the Spearman correlation test, Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient, and Spearman's correlation test between WHODAS 2.0, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), respectively. RESULTS: WHODAS 2.0 showed satisfactory test-retest reliability with a moderate correlation for total WHODAS 2.0 (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Internal consistency was adequate for all domains and total score (α = 0.82-0.96). Regarding construct validity, WHODAS 2.0, ODI (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), and WHODAS 2.0 and RMDQ (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) had significant correlations. Total WHODAS 2.0 and FABQ-Phys subscale scores correlated moderately (r = 0.66, p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The Brazilian WHODAS 2.0 was proved to be a valid and reliable tool for patients with chronic LBP. The item referring to sexual intercourse had 27% and 30% of the missing values during the test and retest stage, respectively and had a high percentage of missing data for work-related questions (41% missing data) in the life activities domain; therefore, the data must be interpreted with caution. IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: WHODAS 2.0 can be used as a disability assessment strategy from a biopsychosocial perspective in this population.

Exercise-based and pain education program for adults with chronic low back pain in Brazilian Primary Care: feasibility study / Programa de exercícios físicos e educação em dor para adultos com dor lombar crônica na Atenção Primária brasileira: estudo de viabilidade

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in Brazil. Most of the evidence on interventions for chronic low back pain (CLBP) comes from high income countries. The objective was to investigate the feasibility of conducting a program based in exercise and pain education in Primary Health Care supported by low-cost mobile technology for adults with CLBP (versus waiting list) and to explore the profile of patients who adhered compared to those who did not adhere. METHODS This is a feasibility study with adult residents of Fortaleza, Brazil with CLBP. The Intervention Group consisted of strategies such as physical exercises, pain education, phone calls and support messages to participants. The Control Group was based on a waiting list. Primary outcomes included retention and adherence rates, comprehension of the intervention, credibility, and satisfaction with the intervention. Secondary outcomes included clinical and demographic factors such as pain intensity, disability, recovery prognosis, and physical activity, described according to adherence behavior. RESULTS Forty-five individuals were allocated to the Intervention Group and 24 to the Control Group. Overall, 57.8% of participants adhered to the intervention. Retention rates were 53.33% and 58.3% for intervention and control, respectively. The other primary feasibility outcomes were satisfactory. Longer time spent sitting and level of schooling differed the profile of those who adhered to the intervention from those who did not. Higher pain intensity and poorer recovery prognosis, measured at baseline, influenced non-adherence to home exercises. CONCLUSION The feasibility of the protocol was adequate for the comprehension of the components, however, adherence to the protocol and the follow-up of the participants were low. The profile of individuals adhering to the intervention includes higher schooling and more time spent sitting at baseline. Characteristics such as higher pain intensity and the influence of psychosocial factors influenced non-adherence to home exercises. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC RBR-5wqr2j).

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS A dor lombar é a principal causa de incapacidade no Brasil. A maior parte da evidência sobre intervenções para dor lombar crônica (DLC) advém de países desenvolvidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a viabilidade de conduzir um programa baseado em exercícios e educação em dor na Atenção Primária à Saúde para adultos com DLC (versus lista de espera) e explorar o perfil dos pacientes que aderiram comparado aos que não aderiram à intervenção. MÉTODOS Este é um estudo de viabilidade. Foram incluídos adultos com DLC e residentes em Fortaleza, CE, no Brasil. O Grupo Intervenção foi composto por estratégias como exercícios físicos, educação em dor, ligações telefônicas e mensagens de suporte aos participantes. O Grupo Controle consistiu em lista de espera. Os desfechos primários incluíram taxas de retenção e adesão, entendimento da intervenção, credibilidade e satisfação com a intervenção. Os desfechos secundários incluíram fatores clínicos e demográficos, como intensidade de dor, incapacidade, prognóstico de recuperação e atividade física, descritos segundo comportamento de adesão. RESULTADOS Quarenta e cinco indivíduos foram alocados para o Grupo Intervenção e 24 para o Grupo Controle. Em geral, 57,8% dos participantes aderiram à intervenção. As taxas de retenção foram 53,33% e 58,3% para intervenção e controle, respectivamente. Os demais desfechos primários de viabilidade foram satisfatórios. Maior tempo sentado e o grau de instrução diferiam o perfil dos aderentes dos não aderentes à intervenção. Maior intensidade de dor e pior prognóstico de recuperação, mensurados na avaliação, influenciaram a não adesão aos exercícios domiciliares. CONCLUSÃO A viabilidade do protocolo apresentou-se adequada para entendimento dos componentes. Entretanto, a adesão ao protocolo e o seguimento dos participantes foram baixos. O perfil dos indivíduos aderentes à intervenção incluiu maior instrução e mais tempo sentado na sua avaliação inicial. Características como maior intensidade de dor e influência de fatores psicossociais influenciaram a não adesão aos exercícios domiciliares. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (REBEC RBR-5wqr2j).

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Measurement Properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese Version of the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire in Older Adults.

The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ) into Brazilian-Portuguese (FFABQ-B), and to examine its reliability and validity in Brazilian older adults. The FFABQ-B was translated and tested in 10 Brazilian older adults. We assessed 52 community-dwellers, 68.7 (±6.2) years, using the FFABQ-B, BERG Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, and activity monitor. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. The FFABQ-B had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .90) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .81; 95% confidence interval [.68, .90]). The FFABQ-B was associated with 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, BERG Balance Scale, physical activity time (p < .05), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale (p < .001). The FFABQ-B is both reliable and valid to assess avoidance behavior in activities and participation due to fear of falling in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.

Physical activity supported by mobile technology program (PAT-Back) for older adults with back pain at primary care: a feasibility study protocol

Abstract Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is disabling in older adults. Although physical activity interventions positively affect LBP, older adults are underrepresented in the literature. We aim to investigate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate a primary care program of exercise therapy and pain education, supported by mobile technology, for older adults with chronic LBP (compared to best practice advice). Methods: In this parallel, two-arm randomized pilot trial, we will recruit adults aged 60 years and older with chronic LBP. The experimental group (Physical Activity supported by low-cost mobile technology for Back pain-PAT-Back) will consist of an 8-week group exercise program based on pain education, exercises, graded activities, and in-home physical activity. Text messages will be sent to promote adherence to home exercises. The control group will receive an evidence-based educational booklet given during one individual consultation. Outcomes will include recruitment rate, adherence and retention rates, level of understanding of the intervention content, perception of the utility of mobile technology, compliance with the accelerometer in a sub-sample of patients, and adverse events. Discussion: The results of this study will form the basis for a large randomized controlled trial. This innovative approach to managing LBP in the primary care setting for older adults, if proven to be effective, can bring an important advance in the knowledge of chronic LBP management to this population.

Functioning in the fibromyalgia syndrome: validity and reliability of the WHODAS 2.0.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is both a challenging and disabling condition. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) classifies FMS as chronic primary pain, and it can negatively impact individuals' functioning including social, psychological, physical and work-related factors. Notably, while guidelines recommend a biopsychosocial approach for managing chronic pain conditions, FMS assessment remains clinical. The WHODAS 2.0 is a unified scale to measure disability in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of WHODAS 2.0 for use in individuals with FMS. METHODS: Methodological study of the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 with 110 individuals with FMS. The instrument gives a score from 0 to 100, the higher the value, the worse the level of functioning. We assessed participants with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (0-100), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) (0-10) and Beck Depression Inventory instrument (BDI) (0-63). The construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest stability. We used SF-36, FIQ and BDI to study construct validity analysis. For statistical analysis, we performed the intraclass correlation (ICC), Spearman correlation, and Cronbach's alpha, with a statistical level of 5%. RESULTS: Most participants were female (92.27%), aged 45 (± 15) years. The test-retest reliability analysis (n = 50) showed stability of the instrument (ICC = 0.54; ρ = 0.84, p < 0.05). The test-retest correlation between the domains was moderate to strong (ρ > 0.58 and < 0.90). Internal consistency was satisfactory for total WHODAS 2.0 (0.91) and also for domains, ranging from 0.44 to 0.81. The construct validity showed satisfactory values with all moderately correlated with WHODAS 2.0 instruments (> 0.46 and < 0.64; p < 0.05). WHODAS 2.0 evaluates the functioning encompassing components of health-related quality of life, functional impact, and depressive symptoms in those with FMS. CONCLUSIONS: WHODAS 2.0 is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate functioning of Brazilians with FMS. It provides reliable information on individuals' health through of a multidimensional perspective, that allows for individual-centered care.

Functioning in the fibromyalgia syndrome: validity and reliability of the WHODAS 2.0

Abstract Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is both a challenging and disabling condition. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) classifies FMS as chronic primary pain, and it can negatively impact individuals' functioning including social, psychological, physical and work-related factors. Notably, while guidelines recommend a biopsychosocial approach for managing chronic pain conditions, FMS assessment remains clinical. The WHODAS 2.0 is a unified scale to measure disability in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of WHODAS 2.0 for use in individuals with FMS. Methods: Methodological study of the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 with 110 individuals with FMS. The instrument gives a score from 0 to 100, the higher the value, the worse the level of functioning. We assessed participants with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (0-100), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) (0-10) and Beck Depression Inventory instrument (BDI) (0-63). The construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest stability. We used SF-36, FIQ and BDI to study construct validity analysis. For statistical analysis, we performed the intraclass correlation (ICC), Spearman correlation, and Cronbach's alpha, with a statistical level of 5%. Results: Most participants were female (92.27%), aged 45 (± 15) years. The test-retest reliability analysis (n = 50) showed stability of the instrument (ICC = 0.54; ρ = 0.84, p < 0.05). The test-retest correlation between the domains was moderate to strong (ρ > 0.58 and < 0.90). Internal consistency was satisfactory for total WHODAS 2.0 (0.91) and also for domains, ranging from 0.44 to 0.81. The construct validity showed satisfactory values with all moderately correlated with WHODAS 2.0 instruments (> 0.46 and < 0.64; p < 0.05). WHODAS 2.0 evaluates the functioning encompassing components of health-related quality of life, functional impact, and depressive symptoms in those with FMS. Conclusions: WHODAS 2.0 is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate functioning of Brazilians with FMS. It provides reliable information on individuals' health through of a multidimensional perspective, that allows for individual-centered care.

A saúde do idoso na graduação em fisioterapia no Brasil: um estudo transversal / La salud del anciano en el grado en fisioterapia en Brasil: un estudio transversal / The health of older people in the physical therapy undergraduate program in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO O envelhecimento populacional vem ocorrendo rapidamente em todo o mundo, levando à necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde envolvidos no cuidado ao idoso, dentre eles o fisioterapeuta. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil dos cursos de fisioterapia de instituições do ensino superior (IES) do Brasil quanto ao ensino direcionado à saúde do idoso. Trata-se de um estudo observacional e transversal. Foi realizado um levantamento de informações sobre os cursos de fisioterapia do Brasil através de análise da grade curricular, projetos pedagógicos e formulário específico. Foram analisadas 525 IES, das quais 91,3% oferecem uma disciplina que aborda a saúde do idoso, sendo 98,4% de caráter obrigatório e 91,3% do tipo teórico-prático. Nas práticas, 25,6% são em campo de estágio, sendo 81,9% realizadas com idosos voluntários e 54,9% direcionadas a todos os níveis de atenção. Ao analisar a distribuição da disciplina por região, observou-se que esta está mais presente na região Sudeste (40,2%) (p=0,03). As IES do Brasil abordam, em sua maioria, a saúde do idoso na grade curricular do curso de fisioterapia. No entanto, a distribuição dessa disciplina no país é desigual, podendo trazer divergências na conduta terapêutica e representar prejuízos na qualidade da assistência ao idoso.

RESUMEN El envejecimiento de la población ha estado ocurriendo rápidamente en el mundo, lo que resulta necesaria la capacitación de los profesionales de la salud involucrados en el cuidado del anciano, incluido el fisioterapeuta. El presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de describir el perfil de los cursos de fisioterapia en las instituciones de educación superior (IES) en Brasil con respecto a la enseñanza sobre la salud del anciano. Es un estudio observacional y transversal. Se realizó una recopilación de informaciones sobre los cursos de fisioterapia en Brasil mediante el análisis del plan de estudios, los proyectos pedagógicos y un formulario específico. Se analizaron 525 IES, de las cuales el 91,3% ofertan una materia que aborda la salud del anciano, de esta, el 98,4% son obligatorias y el 91,3% del tipo teórico-prácticas. En las del tipo prácticas, el 25,6% están en el ámbito de pasantías, siendo que el 81,9% se realizan con ancianos voluntarios y el 54,9% están dirigidas a todos los niveles de atención. En el análisis de la distribución de la materia por región, se observó una mayor presencia en la región Sudeste (40,2%) (p=0,03). La mayoría de las IES en Brasil abordan la salud de los ancianos en el plan de estudios del curso de fisioterapia. No obstante, la distribución de la materia es desigual en el país, lo que puede resultar en divergencias en la conducta terapéutica e influir negativamente en la calidad de la asistencia a los ancianos.

ABSTRACT Population aging has been occurring rapidly around the world, leading to the need for training for health professionals involved in caring for older adults, including the physical therapist. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of physical therapy courses in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil regarding teaching directed to the health of older adults. This is an observational, cross-sectional study. A survey of information on physical therapy courses in Brazil was carried out through analysis of the curriculum, pedagogical projects and specific form. We analyzed 525 HEIs, of which 91.3% offer a discipline that addresses the health of older people, 98.4% of which is mandatory and 91.3% is the theoretical-practical type. In practice, 25.6% are in the internship field, with 81.9% carried out with older volunteers and 54.9% directed to all levels of care. When analyzing the distribution of the discipline by region, it was observed that it is more present in the Southeast (40.2%) (p=0.03). Most HEIs in Brazil address the health of older adults in the curriculum of the physical therapy course. However, the distribution of this discipline in the country is uneven, which can lead to divergences in therapeutic practice and represent losses in the quality of care for older people.

Immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on the physical and functional outcomes in sedentary women: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques are widely used in clinical practice, few studies have evaluated the simultaneous acute effects of these techniques on the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release in sedentary women on the posterior chain muscle flexibility; lumbar spine range of motion; respiratory muscle strength; and chest wall mobility. DESIGN: A randomized placebo-controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinding of assessors and participants. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-five sedentary women aged between 18 and 35 years. INTERVENTION: The sample was randomly allocated into one of two groups; the experimental group received two diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques in a single session, and the control group received two placebo techniques following the same regimen. OUTCOMES MEASURES: The primary outcome was chest wall mobility, which was analyzed using cirtometry. The secondary outcomes were flexibility, lumbar spine range of motion, and respiratory muscle strength. Outcomes were measured before and immediately after treatment. RESULTS: The manual diaphragm release techniques significantly improved chest wall mobility immediately after intervention, with a between-group difference of 0.61 cm (95% CI, 0.12-1.1) for the axillary region, 0.49 cm (95% CI, 0.03-0.94) for the xiphoid region, and 1.44 (95% CI, 0.88-2.00) for the basal region. The techniques also significantly improved the posterior chain muscle flexibility, with a between-group difference of 5.80 cm (95% CI, 1.69-9.90). All movements except flexion of the lumbar spine significantly increased. The effects on respiratory muscle strength were non-significant. CONCLUSION: The diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques improve chest wall mobility, posterior chain muscle flexibility, and some movements of the lumbar spine in sedentary women. These techniques could be considered in the management of people with reduced chest wall and lumbar mobility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03065283.

Association between Physical Activity and Disability in patients with low back pain

Abstract AIMS Physical activity levels could be related to chronic low back pain (LBP) in those who suffer from it; thus the purpose of this study was yo describe the physical activity levels in patients with chronic LBP, and to investigate whether physical activity levels are associated with LBP related disability and pain intensity in them. OBJECTIVES To describe the physical activity levels in patients with chronic LBP, and to investigate whether physical activity levels are associated with LBP related disability and pain intensity in them. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with 36 patients with chronic LBP, both sexes, aged between 18 and 70 years. The main outcomes evaluated in this study were physical activity levels, LBP-related disability and pain intensity. RESULTS Participants were predominantly classified as active (53%) and irregularly active (42%). Mean pain intensity was 4.81 (± 2.72) points, while mean LBP-related disability was 13.19 (± 6.95). Physical activity and disability were negative and moderately correlated. CONCLUSION Physical activity and disability are inversely related, indicating that patients with chronic LBP that have lower physical activity levels had higher levels of disability.(AU)