Telehealth Activity Intervention After Lumbar Spine Surgery

Telehealth Physical Activity Intervention After Lumbar Spine Surgery

The overall objective of this randomized controlled study is to examine the preliminary efficacy of a physical activity intervention that includes wearable technology and remote physical therapist support in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Patients will be randomized to receive 8 sessions of a telehealth physical activity intervention (n=30) or usual postoperative care (n=30). The Investigator's central hypothesis is that a postoperative telehealth physical activity intervention will lead to greater improvements in objective physical activity (primary outcome) and patient-reported physical function, disability, and pain (secondary outcomes) compared to usual care in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults age 18 years or older
2. Scheduled for surgical treatment of a lumbar degenerative condition using laminectomy with or without arthrodesis procedures
3. English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients having microsurgical techniques as the primary procedure, such as an isolated laminotomy or microdiscectomy
2. Patients having surgery for spinal deformity as the primary indication
3. Patients having revision surgery
4. Patients having surgery for pseudarthrosis, trauma, infection, or tumor
5. Presence of back and/or lower extremity pain < 3 months
6. History of neurological disorder, resulting in moderate to severe movement dysfunction
7. Unable to provide stable address and access to internet and smartphone or tablet/iPad/computer/laptop indicating the inability to participate in the intervention