Understanding back pain better: participants wanted for important study

The progression, prognosis and possible causes of back pain are often unclear. We want to change that. Help us achieve this goal and take part in our study from the comfort of your own home!

What is it about?

Over 80 percent of the population experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. Yet the specific cause of pain often remains unknown. This can make it hard to provide an effective, personalised treatment.

In the project "Understanding back pain better", we are conducting a longitudinal study to investigate the individual progression of low back pain. Using a smartphone app and a fitness tracker, data on pain intensity, psychological factors (e.g. stress), physical activity and limitations in daily life are collected over a period of six months. This allows us to analyse how these factors change over time, explore the relationships between pain, psychological factors, physical activity and limitations in daily life and as a result discover possible causes and therapeutic approaches.

We are looking for 600 participants, who are 18 years of age or older and have low back pain, who want to take part in our study.

Study Procedure and Tasks

We will arrange an appointment to show you how to install and use our app on your mobile phone. This appointment can take place online, at your home, in participating clinics or at the Bern University of Applied Sciences. You will also receive a new fitness tracker (Garmin Vivosmart 5), which you will wear during the day for six months and then keep.

After this appointment, you will use the app and the watch to collect data independently from home. You will be asked to:

Daily

Enter your pain intensity (duration: 1 minute)
Wear the Garmin watch during the day

Weekly

Answer questions about your activity and mental well-being (e.g. stress, anxiety and thoughts) (duration: approx. 5 minutes)
Measure your trunk movement* (duration: approx. 5 minutes)

*Trunk movement measurement: Perform five repetitions of simple movements (bending, stretching and side bending) at your own pace and to the best of your ability. While doing these movements, hold your smartphone against your chest so that the app can measure your trunk movement.

What are the benefits for you?

You can keep the Garmin sports watch after completing the study.

The app will give you insights into selected data that you have collected (e.g. changes in your pain intensity over time).

Can I take part?

You can participate if you:

Own a smartphone
Are 18 years of age or older
Have pain in your lower back
Understand German, French or English well
Do not have any of the following medical conditions:
- Spinal fusion surgery, vertebral fracture or a tumour in the spine
- Illnesses or conditions that could affect the safe performance of the trunk movement measurement or your movement behaviour, e.g.:
  - Frailty
  - Risk of falling
  - Neurological disorders (e.g. Parkinson's disease)

Registration

You can register using the link below. After registering, we will contact you, provide you all the necessary information and materials, and arrange an appointment for your introductory session.

Participation is voluntary. If you decide to take part in the study, you may withdraw at any time without giving a reason.