Embedded emergency department physical therapy for adults with recent low back pain
Official title: A Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of Embedded Emergency Department Physical Therapy
Run by Northwestern University · NCT07224945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests placing a physical therapist directly in the emergency department to see if it improves care for adults who come in with recent low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 4, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 4, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age ≥18) who present to a participating ED with a current episode of low back pain ≤30 days, who present between 8am and 8pm, speak English or Spanish, can consent, and do not have red-flag findings or known pregnancy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with red-flag symptoms, known pregnancy, inability to consent, currently in police custody, chronic low back pain longer than 30 days, or those presenting outside participating sites or study hours are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multi-site, randomized feasibility trial that compares an embedded ED physical therapist model to usual care at two hospital emergency departments. Each site will be randomized 1:1, with 9 months of active intervention followed by 12 months of longitudinal data collection to capture outcomes. The trial focuses on feasibility metrics such as ability to enroll participants, deliver the intervention with fidelity, and collect follow-up data. A third hospital will contribute baseline electronic health record data to inform planning for a future full-scale trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get faster, guideline-based physical therapy in the ED that may reduce pain, limit unnecessary imaging or opioid use, and speed recovery.
How similar studies have gone: A prior single-center randomized trial has tested this embedded ED physical therapy approach, but multi-site feasibility evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Emergency Department (ED) visit with primary diagnosis related to low back pain * ED visit occurring at an ED site participating in randomization (Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Utah Hospital) * ED visit check-in time during the hours of 8am-8pm * Current episode of low back pain less than or equal to 30 days, defined as pain between the 12th rib and buttocks * Age greater than or equal to 18 years; there is no age maximum * English or Spanish-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * "Red flag" symptoms indicating a life or limb-threatening process * Currently in police custody * Unable to consent * Known pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Howard Kim, MD, MS
- Email: howard.kim@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-926-0591
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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.