Swimming as a rehabilitation modality for persistent low back pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a swimming class as a rehabilitation modality for persistent low back pain: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
264307
Contact name
David Stephensen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2019/PHYSIO/02, NHS R abd D reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 3 months, 4 days
Research summary
Low back pain is very common; globally it is the number one cause of disability. National guidelines recommend exercise for the management of back pain; swimming is frequently advised despite little supporting evidence. Swimming is considered to be low impact and might target conditions associated with back pain such as obesity, inactivity, and depression. Swimming lessons are not funded by the NHS, many adults cannot swim and there are no guidelines regarding what type of swimming program to recommend.
This multi-phase mixed methods research project aims to develop a swimming class to be used as a form of rehabilitation for persistent low back pain. There are many barriers to exercise and this can affect uptake and adherence; Study 1 will be an online survey finding out what stops and what encourages people with back pain to go swimming. Some people already use swimming to manage back pain; in Study 2, individuals who use swimming to manage back pain will be interviewed to explore their experience including discussion about swimming stroke and adaptations. The swimming class will be developed in Study 3 using the data from Study 1 and 2 and by consulting physiotherapists, swimming teachers, and patients, through a series of surveys, known as the Delphi method. Study 4 will be a feasibility study; comparing the swimming class developed in Study 3 over 6 weeks to aquatic therapy (exercise standing in water); this is a common form of exercise used by physiotherapists. Data will be collected on the running of the study, outcomes including function and quality of life, with further follow up at 6 weeks and 6 months.
These studies will be carried out at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust and Hythe swimming pool; people with back pain for more than 3 months would be eligible to take part.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0397
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion