Optimising Exercise Therapy to improve healthy movement behaviour in the patient’s context

The overall goal of this project is to optimise ET with potentially successful coaching strategies in the guidance of patients with chronic (>6 months) musculoskeletal pain in self-regulating their movement behaviour in their own context.  In this project patients’ context is defined as the natural environment that includes physical, social, emotional, and personal dimensions. To realise this aim several sub-aims have been formulated. First, we will unravel ET-elements that successfully coach patients on movement behaviour in their own context. Experienced barriers, facilitators at patient and therapist level will be addressed. Second, we will investigate measurement tools assessing motor performance, self-management skills and behaviour change. Third, we will develop a web-based toolbox that supports patient and therapist in motor learning, self-management and behavioural change techniques and practical measurements. The feasibility of the platform will be tested in a pilot study. Fourth, we will set up an ET Research Community with people who share a concern or passion for ET-research, driven to innovate and improve ET-practice. The primary research question in this project is: ‘How can we optimize exercise therapy to successfully coach patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in self-regulating their movement behaviour and functioning (activities of daily living) in their own context?’