Abstract
Background
There is an increasing burden of LBP. Clinical guidelines promote physical activity (PA) and self-management strategies and aim to reform unhelpful clinical activity. This study explores osteopaths' beliefs about non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and the role of activity in the treatment of NSLBP.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of twelve qualified osteopaths in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and constructivist grounded theory was used to conceptualise, collect and analyse data.
Results
Four categories; practitioners' beliefs and mode of practice, PA interventions used, challenges and obstacles to promoting activity and strategies used in practice; conceptualised three practitioner styles. Variation was reported in the management of NSLBP, perceptions of successful PA interventions and strategies used in practice. Perceived obstacles to PA were identified. A proposed model highlights how different practitioner styles adopted a biomedical or behavioural orientation towards NSLBP, leading to different approaches to behavioural change strategies and self-management in the treatment of NSLBP.
Conclusion
There are opportunities for educational programs to enhance competencies in exercise prescription and activity promotion, and knowledge of behavioural change strategies to promote self-management in NSLBP. Further quantitative research is recommended to measure osteopaths' attitudes and behaviour related to activity promotion and to test clinical effectiveness of related interventions.
No conflicts of interest
No funding obtained
