Aquatic exercise program for veterans with chronic pain

Determining the Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise in Comparison to Land-based Exercise for Canadian Military Veterans Experiencing Chronic Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Pain: A Feasibility Study for a Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Queen's University · NCT05869617

This study tests whether an aquatic exercise program can help veterans with chronic pain feel better compared to regular land-based exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University (other)
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05869617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to assess the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of aquatic exercise versus land-based exercise for military Veterans suffering from chronic pain. With a significant portion of Veterans experiencing persistent pain, the study seeks to address their unique pain management needs through a tailored exercise intervention. The research will evaluate outcomes such as pain reduction, functional improvement, and overall quality of life. By focusing on lower-extremity musculoskeletal pain, the study intends to provide insights into the most effective exercise modalities for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Canadian Armed Forces Veterans over the age of 18 who have been living with lower-extremity musculoskeletal chronic pain for more than 12 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with pain duration of less than 12 weeks, cancer-related pain, or those with recent surgeries or medical contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for Veterans suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for aquatic therapy in managing musculoskeletal pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over the age of 18 years
* Canadian Armed Forces Veteran
* Living with lower-extremity musculoskeletal chronic pain (\>12 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pain of \< 12 weeks duration
* cancer-related pain and pain suspected to be associated with a degenerative neurological condition
* surgery or fracture in the last 6 months
* medical contraindications to exercise (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, acute heart failure)

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Pain, Exercise, military Veterans

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.