physioscience 2025; 21(S 03): S5
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812355
Abstracts
Präsentationen/Presentations
PS 2

Exploring Multidimensional Trajectories in Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study

Authors

  • A von Aesch

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland

  • A Cerrito

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland

  • L Mourot

    2   HEIG-VD, High School of Engineering and Management of the Canton of Vaud, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland
    3   HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HESAV School of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • N Brouwer

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland

  • P Schweinhardt

    4   University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland

  • M Meier

    4   University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland

  • A Kongsted

    5   University of Southern Denmark, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark

  • L Raileanu

    2   HEIG-VD, High School of Engineering and Management of the Canton of Vaud, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland

  • G Christe

    6   HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HESAV School of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • S Schmid

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland
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Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most commonly reported physical complaints in Switzerland and results in a significant personal and financial burden. Although contributors to LBP are known to be multidimensional, encompassing social, psychological, and biophysical factors, there is limited understanding of how motor behaviour interacts with other factors and influences the course of LBP. Identifying specific LBP progression trajectories and their interactions is crucial for improving and individualising treatment.

Objective To identify temporal trajectories of motor behaviour and investigate their interrelations with trajectories of other factors (e.g., psychological factors, disability, and pain intensity) in adults with acute and chronic LBP.

Methods A prospective longitudinal cohort study will be conducted. Up to 300 acute (LBP≤3 months) and 300 chronic (LBP>3 months) LBP patients over the age of 18 will be recruited in Switzerland. Key constructs to be assessed are LBP intensity, spinal motor behaviour (e.g., movement duration, amplitude, and velocity), physical activity, self-reported disability, and psychological factors (e.g., fear beliefs, pain catastrophising, self-efficacy, and stress). All these parameters will be recorded weekly by participants themselves, using a custom app on their smartphone and a wrist-worn physical activity tracker (Garmin Vivosmart 5). Spinal motor behaviour will be recorded by participants holding their smartphone on their chest while performing movement tasks. For statistical analysis Latent Class Linear Mixed Models (LCLMM) will be used, with both univariate and multivariate analyses applied, to identify LBP classes and investigate the relationships between the multidimensional parameters.

Expected results We expect to identify distinct temporal trajectory subgroups for motor behaviour parameters, and to gain insight into potential (including causal) interrelations with pain, disability, and psychological factors. Specific baseline characteristics (e.g., high pain intensity or low self-efficacy) are expected to be associated with more negative trajectories.

Significance This project will substantially contribute to a better understanding of the role of motor behaviour in the progression and remission of LBP. The findings will advance current treatment approaches, including better individualisation, and improve the health and wellbeing of people with LBP in Switzerland and worldwide.



Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2025

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