Adding pain neuroscience education to physiotherapy for adults with acute low back pain.
The Effect of Integrating Pain Neuroscience Education(PNE) With Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain
This study tests whether adding pain neuroscience education to standard physiotherapy helps adults with acute low back pain reduce pain and improve daily function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Iran University of Medical Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tehran) |
| Trial ID | NCT07277517 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with acute low back pain (pain <6 weeks) will receive conventional physiotherapy and either traditional patient education or pain neuroscience education (PNE) to compare effects on pain and functional disability. The intervention integrates PNE concepts about how the nervous system and thoughts influence pain with routine physical rehabilitation techniques. Outcomes will focus on changes in pain intensity, fear of movement, and daily function over the treatment course. The program is delivered in person at the rehabilitation facility of Iran University of Medical Sciences and excludes patients with red-flag conditions or major comorbidities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a primary complaint of acute low back pain of less than six weeks' duration, no red-flag spinal conditions, able to read Persian, and willing to attend in-person sessions are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with chronic low back pain (>3 months), recent spinal surgery, major systemic or neurological diseases, inability to read Persian, or who cannot adhere to the treatment schedule are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining PNE with physiotherapy could reduce pain, lessen fear of movement, and speed recovery of daily activities compared with conventional education alone.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research combining pain neuroscience education with exercise or physiotherapy has shown modest to meaningful improvements in pain-related fear and function, though results vary and effects are often best when paired with active rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older. * A primary complaint of acute low back pain (defined as pain between the bottom of the ribs and the gluteal fold), with or without leg pain. * Pain duration of less than 6 weeks. * Absence of any "red flags" for serious spinal pathology (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture, cauda equina syndrome), as confirmed by an orthopedist or neurologist. Exclusion Criteria: * Low back pain lasting more than 3 months (chronic low back pain). * History of spinal surgery within the past 3 years. * Inability to read or understand Persian. * Diagnosed cognitive impairments. * Unwillingness to continue the treatment or study protocol. * Diagnosed rheumatic, neurological, cardiac, metabolic, or respiratory diseases. * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, loss of skin sensation, or skin inflammation/swelling in the low back area. * Presence or emergence of any "red flag" condition. * Missing more than 3 consecutive treatment sessions. * Previous participation in Pain Neuroscience Education sessions.
Where this trial is running
Tehran
- rehabilitation facility, Iran university of medical science — Tehran, Iran (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohammadreza Pourahmadi
- Email: pourahmadipt@gmail.com
- Phone: 00989122245593
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.