Combining exercise, pain education, and cognitive training for chronic low back pain

Pain Neuroscience Education, Exercise, and Cognitive Training in Individuals With Idiopathic Chronic Low Back Pain: a Three-arm Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional Aveiro University · NCT05777343

This study is testing whether a mix of exercise, pain education, and brain training can help people with chronic low back pain feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment83 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAveiro University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aveiro)
Trial IDNCT05777343 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a combined approach of cognitive training, exercise, and Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) in reducing pain and associated symptoms in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). Participants will be divided into three groups, each receiving different combinations of these interventions over an 8-week period. Assessments will be conducted to evaluate pain characteristics, psychological factors, and cognitive aspects at baseline, after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. The goal is to determine if this multifaceted approach can lead to significant improvements in pain management and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 64 with chronic idiopathic low back pain who can communicate in Portuguese.

Not a fit: Patients with ongoing psychiatric diseases, significant cognitive impairments, or those receiving chronic pain treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive training and education in pain management, suggesting potential success for this combined approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* have chronic idiopathic LBP
* report pain intensity of at least 2 out of 10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
* 18 to 64 years old
* Be able to read, write and speak Portuguese
* Asses to personal computer and internet for those receiving cognitive training

Exclusion Criteria:

* individuals receiving any chronic treatment for their pain
* symptoms of peripheral nervous system pathology (e.g., motor weakness and sensory disturbance);
* a diagnosis of an ongoing neurological disease with peripheral or central nervous system involvement or relevant sequela;
* having a diagnosis of ongoing psychiatric disease
* having relevant cognitive impairment as assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Where this trial is running

Aveiro

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.
Conditions Chronic Low-back Paincognitive trainingexercisechronic low back painpain neuroscience education
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.