Combined strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise program for chronic low back pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, three-arm trial will allocate community-recruited adults with chronic non-specific low back pain to usual exercise (control), a running-based intervention, or a swimming/cycling-based intervention. The two active arms complete an 8-week progressive program that combines aerobic training (running or swim/cycle), resistance training, and prescribed flexibility exercises. Patient-reported outcome measures for pain and function are collected at baseline, 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 12 months to capture short-term and longer-term effects. The interventions are structured to increase intensity gradually to support adherence and reduce injury risk.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-45 years
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
* Suffering from chronic NSLBP (more than 3 months, localised below the costal margin and above the gluteal folds)
* Suffers from pain or functional limitations as a result of their LBP (minimum VAS (back) score of 3/10 or ODI score of at least 5/50 or RMD score of at least 5/24 (note, unlike ODI, RMD does not describe specific cuts offs for different levels of disability)
* Able to exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Radiating pain to leg / sciatica / acute radiculopathy
* Specific diagnosis/condition for LBP (e.g. herniated disk, degenerative disk disease, spondylolysis, spinal stenosis, spinal tumour, facet joint damage)
* History of osteoporosis , arthritis, scoliosis, or kyphosis.
* Current spinal infection, cancer or a current fracture (any bone).
* History of spinal/back surgery
* Unable to participate in physical activity and exercise
* Pregnant or breast feeding
* History of substance abuse
* History of psychiatric illness (eg. depression, dementia, schizophrenia) for which currently taking medication
* History or current neurological condition (e.g. epilepsy)
* Not in possession or have access to adapted equipment (phone, computer, functioning WIFI)
* Unable to understand and communicate in English
* Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance

Where it's running

• University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre
  Nottingham, Notts, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kimberley Edwards — University of Nottingham

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.