Effects of chronic low back pain on cognitive functions in older adults
The Impacts of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: a Cross-sectional Study
This study looks at how chronic low back pain affects thinking skills in older adults aged 60 to 85 to see if pain impacts their memory and ability to manage daily tasks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Hong Kong, Hong Kong and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06704425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and cognitive functions in older adults aged 60 to 85. It aims to explore how chronic pain may impact executive functions such as inhibition, switching, and working memory, which are crucial for managing pain and daily activities. Participants will include both those with and without CNSLBP, and cognitive performance will be assessed using the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The study will utilize brain imaging to examine potential correlations between chronic pain and cognitive decline.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 to 85, right-handed, Cantonese-speaking, with normal cognitive function and a minimum of 6 years of formal education.
Not a fit: Patients with specific causes of low back pain or those with neurological or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how chronic pain affects cognitive functions, leading to better management strategies for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary evidence from other studies suggests a correlation between chronic pain and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has some support in existing literature.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults with and without chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) aged between 60 and 85 years * Having normal cognitive function (Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 26)13 * Right-handed * Cantonese speaking * Having at least 6 years of formal education and know how to read and write Chinese * Agreeing to sign an informed consent form * Being able to communicate via email or text message because several study measures will be collected electronically. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to ambulate without assistance from another person (canes or walkers will be allowed) * Having specific causes of LBP (e.g., spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, recent vertebral fracture, spinal infection) * Having other concurrent musculoskeletal conditions at other body parts (e.g., fibromyalgia, or neck or knee pain) * Self-reported history of lumbar or lower extremity surgery * Self-reported history of neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g., stroke, brain surgery, head trauma; schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder, stroke) or self-reported cancer history * Self-reported specific inflammatory disorder: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatica, scleroderma, lupus, or polymyositis * Unexplained, unintended weight loss of 20 lbs or more in the past year * Cauda equina syndrome * Uncorrected visual deficit * Drug or alcohol addiction * Taking alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines medicines 24 hours before the experiment * Claustrophobia * Contraindications for undergoing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination based on the MRI safety screening form of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong and 2 other locations
- University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Arnold YL Wong — Hong Kong, None Selected, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arnold YL Wong, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Frank F Huang, MD
- Email: fan2023.huang@connect.polyu.hk
- Phone: +85253037752
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.