Improving treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis and related walking difficulties

Optimizing Impact of Manual Therapy and Exercise on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: A Multi-Site Feasibility Study

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-10904004

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10904004 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing lumbar spinal stenosis with symptoms of intermittent neurogenic claudication.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone decompressive laminectomy or those with severe comorbidities that prevent participation in physical therapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.