Physical activity with person-centred guidance supported by a digital platform for persons with chronic widespread pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a person-centred intervention, including advice on physical activity, for improving pain intensity, physical activity, and other health-related outcomes in persons with chronic widespread pain , when delivered with digital eHealth support compared with standard telephone follow-up. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Individuals with chronic widespread pain (n?=?139), aged 20?65 years, who had previously participated in a pain educational programme at primary healthcare units, were contacted during the period 2018?19 and randomized to an intervention group (n?=?69) or an active control group (n?=?70). Methods: Together with a physiotherapist, participants in both groups developed person-centred health plans for physical activity. The intervention group was supported via a digital platform for 6 months. The active control group received support via one follow-up phone call. Primary outcome was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes were physical activity and other health-related outcomes. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups after 6 months, except for a significant decrease in global fatigue in the active control group compared with the intervention group. Conclusion: Future development of interventions supporting persons with chronic pain to maintain regular exercise is warranted.