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Significant improvements seen in accelerometer-measured physical activity after lumbar spine surgery
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Results of this study that used accelerometers to measure physical activity showed patients who underwent lumbar decompression and fusion had statistically significant improvements in physical activity; however, researchers found no significant association between the improvements in physical activity and clinical outcome scores.
Ralph J. Mobbs, MD, and colleagues performed a prospective study of 30 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery. Of these patients, 28 completed accelerometer-tracked physical activity and clinical follow-up. Investigators used a Fitbit accelerometer (Fitbit Inc.) to assess physical performance. A Fitbit activity monitor recorded preoperative and postoperative average physical activity, which included parameters such as the number of steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned. Self-reported outcome scores included the VAS, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-12 mental and physical component summary scores.
At the 3-month follow-up, the mean number of steps taken per day increased by 58.2% and the mean distance traveled per day increased by 63%. Investigators noted significant improvements for the mean change in VAS back pain and leg pain and for the SF-12 physical component summary scores. At follow-up, investigators found no significant association between the steps or distance traveled per day and improvements observed in VAS back pain or leg pain, ODI or physical component summary scores. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Mobbs reports he is on the speakers bureau for Stryker Spine and Synthes, receives royalties from Stryker Spine, has stock/stock options in Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson, and has meeting expenses paid by Orthotec.
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