Buy-In for Back Pain: Does Individualization Matter?

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individualization of an exercise program on the buy-in received from chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Methods: Participants were randomized to 8 weeks of an individualized (IEP) or general exercise program (GEP). All participants were required to attend one 1:1 session per week with an exercise physiologist and 4 home-based sessions. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog pain scale (VAS) measured before and after the 8-week intervention along with barrier self-efficacy and adherence. Additionally, multidimensional outcome expectations, exercise self-efficacy, and intention to exercise were measured before the intervention, after the first session, and after 8 weeks. Measures were taken after the first session to observe if clinical assessment and informing the patient that the program was individualized manipulated beliefs differently compared to providing a GEP. Beliefs a...