Combined strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise program for chronic low back pain
A Combined Exercise Programme Involving Strengthening, Flexibility and Aerobic Exercise for Lower Back Pain: a Randomised-controlled Study
This program will test whether an 8-week combined exercise plan—running or swimming/cycling plus progressive strength and flexibility work—helps adults aged 18–45 with chronic low back pain reduce pain and improve function compared with their usual exercise.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham, Notts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06921694 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with chronic non-specific low back pain for more than three months who have at least moderate pain or functional limitation and are able and willing to exercise are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with radiating leg pain or sciatica, specific spinal diagnoses (e.g., herniated disc, spinal stenosis), prior spinal surgery, major comorbid bone or joint disease, pregnancy, or those unable to undertake exercise are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce pain and improve physical function in people with chronic non-specific low back pain, with benefits that may last up to 12 months.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise-based treatments have substantial evidence of benefit for chronic low back pain overall, but direct randomized comparisons of running versus swimming/cycling combined with structured resistance and flexibility programs are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Nottingham, Notts
- University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre — Nottingham, Notts, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kimberley Edwards — University of Nottingham
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.