Community program for managing low back pain

Back to Living Well: Implementation of a Community-based Program for the Secondary and Tertiary Prevention of Low Back Pain

McMaster University · NCT05929846

This study is testing a community program called Back to Living Well to see if it helps people with ongoing mild to moderate low back pain improve their lives through exercise and self-management, either online or in-person.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University (other)
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05929846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the implementation of the Back to Living Well program, a community-based initiative designed for individuals with persistent mild to moderate low back pain (LBP). Participants can choose to engage in the program either online or in-person, focusing on exercise and self-management strategies to improve their quality of life and prevent disability. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative data through questionnaires and qualitative insights via interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to program participation. Additionally, ecological Momentary Assessment will track symptom trajectories over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a history of persistent low back pain for three or more months.

Not a fit: Patients currently seeking care for low back pain or those with co-morbidities preventing exercise may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the management of low back pain, enhancing patients' quality of life and reducing disability.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based exercise and self-management programs for low back pain, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently starting or enrolled in the Back to Living Well program at a YMCA in Downtown Hamilton, Les Chater, Ron Edwards, Laurier Brantford or Flamborough
* Have non-specific LBP
* History of persistent LBP for 3 or more months that is mild, moderate, or severe
* If moderate levels of pain or less (pain \<6) they must have a history of flares or at least one flare within the previous year, if pain \>=6, flare is not necessary.
* 18 years old or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-morbidity preventing participation in exercise based on screening using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and later not cleared by their family physician
* Inadequate English to complete questionnaires and interviews
* Participants who are currently seeking care for LBP

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, 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: Low Back Pain

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.