Combining Wearable Technology and Telehealth Counseling for Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Surgery: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Activity Intervention.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable device and telehealth counseling intervention to promote physical activity (walking) early after lumbar spine surgery.
Results Summary
The intervention was feasible and acceptable, with high retention rates and participant satisfaction. Both groups showed improvements in steps per day and patient-reported outcomes, but only the intervention group improved in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Population
Patients recovering from lumbar spine surgery (n=16 randomized).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (step goals were set but exact amounts not detailed).
Duration
8 sessions (duration not specified).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | increase | physical activity | patients early after lumbar spine surgery | - | feasible approach to promote | #1 |
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | no change | intervention delivery | patients early after lumbar spine surgery | - | acceptable | #2 |
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | increase | steps per day | intervention group | 1070 | improved | #3 |
usual postoperative care | increase | steps per day | usual care group | 679 | improved | #4 |
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | increase | moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) | intervention group | 2.2 minutes per day | improved | #5 |
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | decrease | back and leg pain | intervention group | - | improvements | #6 |
wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention | decrease | disability | intervention group | - | improvements | #7 |
usual postoperative care | decrease | back and leg pain | usual care group | - | improvements | #8 |
usual postoperative care | decrease | disability | usual care group | - | improvements | #9 |
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable device and telehealth counseling physical activity intervention early after lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: Sixteen patients were randomized to an 8-session physical activity intervention or to usual postoperative care after surgery. The intervention included a wearable device (ie, Fitbit) and telehealth counseling by a licensed physical therapist. The feasibility of study procedures was assessed through recruitment, randomization, retention, and participation rates. Acceptability was assessed through a satisfaction survey and median within-participant change in objective physical activity (steps per day and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Of 64 participants who were eligible, recruitment and randomization rates were 41 and 62%, respectively. Retention for objective physical activity and patient-reported outcomes was 94 and 100%, respectively, at 6-month follow-up. Seven (88%) participants in the intervention group completed all telehealth sessions, and 6 (75%) met step goals over the 8 sessions. All participants in the intervention group found the wearable device and telehealth counseling to be helpful and reported it much or somewhat more important than other postoperative services. Median within-participant change for steps per day improved from baseline (preoperative) to 6 months after surgery for both the intervention (1070) and usual care (679) groups, while MVPA only improved for the intervention group (2.2. minutes per day). Improvements in back and leg pain and disability were noted for both groups. No adverse events were reported in the study. CONCLUSION: Combining wearable technology and telehealth counseling is a feasible approach to promote the physical activity during the early postoperative period after spine surgery. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of leveraging wearables and telehealth during postoperative rehabilitation. IMPACT: This study has implications for the clinical dissemination of physical activity strategies in the rehabilitation setting.