Evaluating if pain modulation predicts improvement in chronic low back pain treatment

Is Conditioned Pain Modulation Predictive of Clinical Improvement in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain?

Not applicable Interventional Brooke Army Medical Center · NCT06544525

This study is testing if a person's ability to manage pain can help predict how well they will respond to physical therapy for chronic low back pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment57 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorBrooke Army Medical Center Federal
Locations1 site (Fort Sam Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06544525 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether conditioned pain modulation (CPM) can predict clinical improvement in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. It focuses on the body's ability to manage pain through its descending pain pathways and examines how physical therapy may enhance this function. Participants will undergo CPM testing to assess their pain modulation capabilities before and after a standard physical therapy regimen. The goal is to determine if improvements in CPM correlate with better outcomes in pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18-64 with chronic low back pain lasting more than three months and specific pain severity levels.

Not a fit: Patients with serious spinal pathologies, neurological diseases, or those currently involved in litigation related to low back pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment strategies for chronic low back pain by identifying patients who are likely to benefit from physical therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that impaired conditioned pain modulation is common in chronic pain conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* DEERS eligible
* English speaking
* Age 18-64 years
* ODI baseline ≥25%
* NPRS baseline ≥3/10
* Low back pain symptoms greater than 3 months
* Must be able to commit to at least six weeks of physical therapy interventions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious spinal pathology (acute fracture, active cancer, inflammation, inflammatory arthropathy)
* Low back pain symptoms radiating below the knee
* Pregnancy
* Diagnosed neurological disease including traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, chronic regional pain syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
* History spinal surgery
* Currently under litigation related to low back pain
* Currently going through Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)
* Retiring or separating from the military within a year

Where this trial is running

Fort Sam Houston, Texas

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.
Conditions Low Back Painlow back painphysical therapyconditioned pain modulationtemporal summation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.