The process of creating and disseminating exercise programs by physical therapists for older adults with chronic back pain.

Phys Ther. 2021 Feb 4;101(2):pzaa202. Hay ME, Connelly DM.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of the process that physical therapists undertake when creating and disseminating exercise programs for older adults with chronic back pain.

Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of listening to patients’ stories when engaging in physical therapy care. Focusing on function, providing education and exercise as components of care, and supporting integration of exercise into everyday life are considerations for providing care for older adults with chronic back pain in physical therapist practice and, ultimately, for returning to life. With aging populations and with the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, this research offers insight into a process for physical therapists to enact exercise engagement for improved health and quality of life for older adults with chronic back pain.

See abstract.