Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorCentro Universitário Augusto Motta
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 2, 2022
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedMay 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT05480982 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.