Improving treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis and related walking difficulties
Official title: Optimizing Impact of Manual Therapy and Exercise on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: A Multi-Site Feasibility Study
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10904004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how combining hands-on therapy and exercise, possibly with a special type of acupuncture, can help people with back pain and leg cramps feel better and walk easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $484,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012534-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing lumbar spinal stenosis with symptoms of intermittent neurogenic claudication.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone decompressive laminectomy or those with severe comorbidities that prevent participation in physical therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how manual therapy and exercise can be optimized for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis and intermittent neurogenic claudication. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of these treatments by potentially incorporating intramuscular electroacupuncture as an additional strategy. The study will be conducted at multiple sites, including Boston Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on non-surgical approaches to improve patient outcomes. Participants will be monitored to assess the impact of these combined therapies on their walking ability and overall function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective non-surgical treatments for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, improving their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have shown modest success with manual therapy and exercise for similar conditions, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiner, Debra Kaye — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Weiner, Debra Kaye
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combining hands-on therapy, exercise, and intramuscular electroacupuncture for walking pain from lumbar spinal stenosis
This project tests whether adding intramuscular electroacupuncture and periodic booster sessions to manual therapy plus exercise can give better and longer-lasting relief for people with lumbar spinal stenosis who have walking-related leg pain (neurogenic claudication).
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Non-invasive therapy for older veterans with spinal stenosis
This study is testing a gentle, non-surgical treatment to help older veterans with back pain and mobility issues caused by spinal stenosis, especially for those who can't have surgery, to see if it can make them feel better and move more easily.
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Fusion versus decompression alone for single-level lumbar stenosis
This trial will test whether decompression surgery without added fusion works as well as decompression plus fusion for adults aged 45–75 with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis.
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Effect of Irrigation Pressure on Postoperative Complications and Surgical Field Clarity in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery
This study tests whether the height of the irrigation fluid bag and the direction of the surgical cut affect fluid pressure, visibility, and early recovery in adults undergoing unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery.
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Microdecompression alone vs. decompression with fusion in adjacent segment stenosis
This trial tests whether a less invasive microdecompression can work as well as adding a fusion extension for people with adjacent segment stenosis after prior lumbar fusion.
-
Evolution of spinal care practices in Bordeaux
This study will track how care for spine conditions changes over five years by collecting data from adults treated for spinal issues at a Bordeaux hospital.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.