Comparing Cognitive Functional Therapy and Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly
Official title: Cognitive Functional Therapy Compared With Pilates in Elderly Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Treated Via Telerehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Centro Universitário Augusto Motta · NCT05480982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether Cognitive Functional Therapy delivered online is better than Pilates for helping older adults with chronic low back pain feel less pain and improve their daily life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centro Universitário Augusto Motta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 2, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05480982 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are elderly individuals with chronic low back pain who can walk independently and understand Portuguese.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with serious underlying conditions such as fractures, malignancies, or recent spinal surgeries may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) delivered via tele rehabilitation compared to Pilates for elderly patients suffering from chronic low back pain. A total of 200 participants will be randomized to receive either CFT or Pilates over a treatment period of up to 12 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at 24 and 48 weeks to evaluate outcomes such as pain intensity, disability, and quality of life. The study also includes qualitative research to understand participants' perceptions and experiences during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective tele rehabilitation option for elderly patients with chronic low back pain, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that Cognitive Functional Therapy can reduce disability in adults with chronic low back pain, but this specific tele rehabilitation approach for the elderly is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A main complaint of pain in the area between the 12th rib and buttock crease with or without accompanying non-radicular leg pain; * Episode of ongoing low back pain for at least 12 weeks' duration; * Presenting to a primary care clinician at least 6 weeks ago for this episode of LBP; * Being able to walk independently (with or without aids); * Ability to understand Portuguese well enough to be able to fill in the questionnaires. * Medium or high risk score on STartback screening tool. Exclusion Criteria: * Known or suspected red flag disorders like fracture, malignancy/cancer, cauda equina syndrome or progressive neurological disorder, inflammatory or infective diseases of the spine; * Suspected radicular pain (dominant leg pain, positive neural tissue provocation tests and/or any two of altered strength, reflexes or sensation for the same nerve root, assessed clinically); * Spinal surgery \< 6 months previously; * Invasive procedures for pain relief (ex: epidural injection, rhizotomy) in the last three months; * Scoliosis (if considered the primary cause of pain); * Unstable heart conditions; * Chikungunya or Dengue virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes; * Relevant cognition deficit measured by 10 point cognitive screener, with a cut-off point of less than 8 points, 18 for participants with elementary education, and 26 for participants with secondary and/or higher education; * Post Covid-19 sequelae of pain.
Where it's running
-
Centro Universitário Augusto Motta
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica Fernandez, PhD Student
- Email: jessicafmg@gmail.com
- Phone: +5521988778037
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
A novel multi angular isometric lumbar exercise for chronic low back pain
This trial tests MAILE, a new lumbar exercise method, to see if it helps adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain more than standard lumbar stabilization and core exercises.
-
Pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and activity in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain
This observational study looks at how negative pain thoughts and fear of moving relate to how active postmenopausal women with long‑standing low back pain are.
-
Analgesia boost from adding a sacral submultifidus block to SIJ injection
This study tests whether adding a sacral submultifidus block to a standard image-guided sacroiliac joint injection provides better pain relief and function for adults with chronic SIJ‑related pain.
-
Telerehabilitation after spine surgery
This trial tests different ways of delivering post-operative instructions to people who had spinal decompression surgery to see how it affects recovery and healthcare use.
-
How patient education helps people with chronic musculoskeletal pain stick to home exercise for pain relief
A structured patient education program is tested to see if it helps people with chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder problems stick with their home exercise plan to relieve pain.
-
Core endurance vs segmental stabilization for low back pain in recreational athletes
This trial tests whether core endurance exercises or segmental stabilization exercises better help recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.