Physiotherapist and Patient Perspectives on a Snack-based Physical Activity Application and Tracking Device for People with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

ObjectivesTo explore patients and physiotherapists perspectives on a snack-based physical activity (PA) approach and mobile health technologies (mHealth) for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Snack-based PA refers to short, frequent bouts of activity (2-5 minutes) integrated into daily routines. DesignQualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of semi-structured online interviews. SettingCommunity-based recruitment in the United Kingdom. Interviews were conducted online via Microsoft Teams between May and November 2024. ParticipantsSixteen participants were purposively sampled: eight adults with NSCLBP (lasting [≥]3 months in the previous year) and eight physiotherapists with [≥]2 years experience managing people with NSCLBP. ResultsThree shared themes were identified across both groups: (1) understanding the needs and requirements of PA; (2) perceptions of snack-based activity; and (3) factors influencing mobile health application use. Five subthemes were identified within themes one and three, together with two additional subthemes reported only by patients, relating to data sharing and technical issues. Both groups valued the time-efficiency and practical integration of snack-based activity, while highlighting the need for personalisation, age-appropriate content, accessibility and affordability. ConclusionsPhysiotherapists and patients emphasised the potential value of the snack-based PA approach in terms of adherence. However, both groups agreed that future intervention development should prioritise personalisation, user-friendly design, and equitable digital access. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDYO_LIThis study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to provide in-depth, dual-perspective insights from both people with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and physiotherapists on a novel snack-based physical activity approach for chronic non-specific low back pain. C_LIO_LIReporting adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) 32-item checklist to ensure methodological transparency. C_LIO_LIThe sample included variation in patient age, ethnicity and physiotherapist experience, which broadened the range of views captured. C_LIO_LIAll participants were UK-based, which may limit the transferability of findings to other healthcare systems and cultural contexts. C_LIO_LIThe small sample size, although consistent with IPA methodology, and the use of single online interviews, may not capture longitudinal perspectives on sustained engagement. C_LI