HOW TO DEVELOP ONES COUNSELING - DEMONSTRATION OF THE USE OF SINGLE-CASE STUDIES AS A PRACTICAL TOOL FOR EVALUATING THE OUTCOMES OF COUNSELING

The physical activity patterns of eight single cases of back patients are described across a series of counseling sessions and a 12-month fo llow-up. The cases demonstrate the variablity of physical activity dur ing the counseling period due to random influences in the patient's li fe and the possibility of total relapse of more complicated activity t ypes after counseling. The simple behaviors like proper sitting, stand ing or lifting are shown to be better maintained in spite of the rando m influences in the patient's life. The single-case study method is de monstrated to serve as a practical tool for evaluating one's counselin g in the promotion of health-related physical activity. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd.