The Back to Living Well program is a partnership between McMaster University and the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford. This study has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and has received ethics approval from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board [Project #15354].
Registration is required to participate in this program through the YMCA.
Why is this research being done?
We are interested in understanding barriers and facilitators to implementing the Back to Living Well program. Our aim is to determine the factors that contribute to the outcomes that participants may experience as a result of the program. We will also investigate the factors influencing participants decision to receive the program in-person or online, as well as factors related to adherence.
Is Back to Living Well right for me?
The program is designed for adults 18 years and older who are experiencing persistent low back pain that is of any intensity (mild, moderate, or severe) for greater than 3 months. Participants must also have a history of low back pain flares (at least one flare within the previous year). Low back pain must not be attributed to any specific diagnosis such as cancer or a fracture.
What will happen during the program?
The 12-week Back to Living Well program will consist of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. The education and self-management sessions will be delivered online using 12 animated videos. There will also be the option to complete the intervention online, in which the exercise program will be delivered online on demand and completed at home.
As part of our research study, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your pain, activity limitations, and psychosocial profile before you start the program, at the end of the 12-week program, as well as 6 and 12 months. At the same time points, you will also be asked to participate in one-on-one interviews to understand your preferences, adherence, barriers or enablers to participation, and factors guiding selection of receiving the program in-person or online. During these time points, you will be asked to wear an activity monitor for 7 days to track your physical activity. Finally, we will ask you to provide weekly information about your pain, mood and activity limitations.
When and where is the program running?
The program is currently running at the following YMCA locations:
Les Chater Family YMCA (Hamilton): 905-667-1515
Flamborough Family YMCA (Hamilton): 905-690-3555
Ron Edwards Family YMCA (Burlington): 905-632-5000
Laurier Brantford YMCA (Brantford): 519-512-4891
Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA (Hamilton): 905-529-7102
Is there a cost to participation?
A YMCA membership is required for participation. If you choose to participate in this study you will get a 25% discount on your YMCA membership for 3 months. In addition, you will also receive an honorarium of $40 dollars for each interview that you complete.
How do I register?
Individuals can register at either a membership desk, by calling one of the above locations, or visiting the YMCA website.
Who can I contact for more information?
Stephanie Di Pelino, Research Coordinator: 905-525-9140 ext. 23811 dipelins@mcmaster.ca
Genevieve Hladysh, YMCA Lead Collaborator: genevieve.hladysh@ymcahbb.ca
Luciana Macedo, Principal Investigator