6-minute Step Test for Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain
Could the 6 Minute Step Test be Used Instead of the 6 Minute Walk Test to Assess Functional Capacity in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain?
This project will test whether the 6-minute step test can replace the 6-minute walk test to measure functional capacity in adults aged 18–65 with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kırşehir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07028034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study compares performance on the 6-minute step test with the 6-minute walk test in adults who have had chronic low back pain for at least three months. Participants aged 18–65 who meet inclusion criteria will attend on-site testing at a single center and complete both functional tests. Individuals with orthopedic or neurological impairments, recent back surgery, pregnancy, or recent regular physical activity are excluded. Results will be analyzed for correlation and agreement to see if the step test provides a practical, clinic-friendly measure of functional capacity in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with chronic low back pain for at least three months who can attend on-site testing and do not have orthopedic or neurological impairments, recent lumbar surgery, pregnancy, or recent regular physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with significant orthopedic or neurological conditions, recent back surgery, pregnancy, severe mobility limitations, or those who already exercise regularly are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the step test correlates well with the walk test, clinicians could use a shorter, space-saving measure to monitor functional capacity in people with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Step tests have shown correlation with walk tests in other patient groups, but application specifically to chronic low back pain is limited and not yet well validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with chronic low back pain * Chronic low back pain for at least the last 3 months * Being aged 18-65 * Voluntary participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having orthopedic or neurological impairments * History of surgery due to chronic low back pain in the last 6 months * Being pregnant * Participating in regular physical activity in the past 3 months
Where this trial is running
Kırşehir
- Kirsehir Ahi Evran University — Kırşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve Firat
- Email: mervefirat@ahievran.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 850 441 02 44
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.