Activity after Spinal Surgery Engagement
Official title: Activity Post Spinal Surgery Engagement Trial
Run by Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT07825480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a behavioral program helps people recover by being more physically active after lumbar spine decompression surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07825480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 40–85 years scheduled for decompressive lumbar laminectomy (with or without fusion) for lumbar spinal stenosis who can use the study technology and have baseline activity under 6,000 steps/day.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who cannot adhere to wearing the activity tracker or who do not experience meaningful activity changes may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study targets adults aged 40–85 undergoing decompressive lumbar surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. It tests a program that combines wearable activity tracking, motivational interviewing, and financial incentives to boost daily activity and walking. Participants will use a wrist-based tracker, receive telephonic coaching, and engage in a structured activity plan; outcomes will reflect changes in daily steps and activity levels after surgery. The trial builds on prior work in other surgeries to see if similar strategies can improve postoperative activity and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may increase daily activity, potentially improving long-term mobility and overall health after spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in other surgeries suggests behavioral activation strategies can increase postoperative activity, but results for spine surgery are exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 40-85 years * Scheduled to undergo a decompressive lumbar laminectomy with or without concomitant lumbar fusion * LSS is principal diagnosis for lumbar decompression surgery * Passes the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * Agrees to all study technology requirements * Able to wear the ActiGraph for ≥ 4/7 days for ≥ 10 hours per day during pre-screening * Average baseline steps/day \< 6,000 during pre-screening assessment period Exclusion Criteria: * Lives in a nursing home * Non-English speaking * Uses a wheelchair for all ambulation * Has a physical condition resulting in inability to walk or makes walking -unstable * Diagnosis of dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, or peripheral neuropathy with documented gait or balance disturbance of falls related to the condition * Has psychological issues that preclude participation * Surgeon-documented other reason for study exclusion * Primary indication for surgery is not lumbar spinal stenosis (this could include primary or metastatic tumor, spine infection, or sagittal deformity issues) * Has an inpatient or musculoskeletal surgery scheduled within the 6 months following lumbar decompression surgery * Has a history of past spine surgery within one year of date of pre-screen * Has a history of more than one spine surgery in the zone of proposed surgery
Where it's running
-
Mass General Brigham
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.