Motivational Program for Physical Activity After Spine Surgery
(ASSET Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Back pain can be disabling, limiting the ability to walk and to engage in physical activity. For patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, decompressive surgery often provides substantial pain relief and improved mobility. However, research has shown that even after successful surgery, most patients do not increase physical activity or walking. This is important because regular physical activity can help older adults prevent and manage chronic disease, delay functional decline, and maintain independence.
The goal of our study, called the Activity post Spinal Surgery Engagement Trial (ASSET), is to test whether a behavioral program can help patients become more physically active after spine surgery. The investigators have evaluated strategies to help people improve their physical activity after knee replacement surgery and would now like to understand whether these interventions are effective for patients undergoing spine surgery.
The intervention combines two approaches designed to motivate behavior change. Motivational interviewing invokes internal motivation, where patients work with a trained coach to recognize the importance of walking habits, prepare for change, and develop and implement an effective walking plan. External motivation is based on financial incentives, where patients receive small but concrete rewards for obtaining their physical activity goals.
The investigators want to test whether this intervention is better than simply providing patients with an activity tracker, so the study will randomly assign interested participants to one of two groups: the motivational interviewing and financial incentive intervention, or a control arm. All participants will receive a Fitbit activity monitor, and patients in the intervention group will also receive coaching sessions and financial incentives. This pilot study will help determine whether the program is acceptable to patients and whether it shows promise for improving physical activity after spine surgery.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who have had surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (a type of back problem) and want to improve their physical activity after surgery. People with other major health issues or those unable to use a wrist-based tracker may not be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Telephonic Active Coaching (Motivational Interviewing) + Financial Incentives
- Wrist based activity tracker wear
Trial Overview
The study compares two groups: one gets a Fitbit activity tracker plus motivational phone coaching and small financial rewards, while the other just uses the Fitbit. Participants are randomly assigned to each group.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants in this arm receive usual post-operative care, complete all basic study activities (as described in arm 1), receive wrist-based activity tracker intervention, and receive the TAC(MI)+FI.
Participants in this arm receive usual post-operative care, complete all basic study activities, and receive a wrist-based activity tracker intervention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
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