Examining back muscle characteristics to improve exercise therapy for low back pain
Back to Back: the Forgotten Role of Back Muscle Characteristics to Tailor Exercise Therapy for Recurrent Non-specific Low Back Pain
This study is testing if understanding the differences in back muscles between people with low back pain and healthy individuals can help create better exercise programs to improve their posture and control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hasselt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Diepenbeek and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05851196 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study compares patients with non-specific low back pain to healthy controls to identify key back muscle characteristics that may contribute to impaired proprioceptive postural control. The study includes a cross-sectional analysis of muscle characteristics and a proof-of-concept intervention involving a 16-week high-load proprioceptive training program for patients. The aim is to evaluate how this training affects muscle characteristics and postural control. By delineating patient phenotypes based on muscle characteristics, the study seeks to tailor exercise therapy more effectively.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-60 with non-specific low back pain lasting three months or more and who meet specific pain and disability criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with structural spinal deformities, previous spinal trauma or surgery, or those with certain neurological or systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective exercise therapies for individuals suffering from recurrent low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of examining muscle characteristics in relation to proprioceptive control is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for low back pain through tailored exercise interventions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients with non-specific low back pain: * Aged 18-60 years * Non-specific low back pain without radicular leg pain * Mechanical low back pain with episodes of \<4 on the numerical pain rating scale and episodes of \>6 on the numerical pain rating scale * Non-specific low back pain for three months or more * Score of 20% or more on the Modified Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire * Informed consent to participate Healthy controls: * Aged 18-60 years * No history of low back pain needing medical treatment or resulting in a limited activity level * No low back pain in the previous six months * Informed consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Previous trauma or surgery to the spine, pelvis or lower limbs * Structural spinal deformity (e.g., scoliosis) * Neurological, neuromuscular, respiratory or systemic disease * Central sensitization: score of 50/100 or more on the Central Sensitization Inventory * Specific vestibular or balance problems * Acute lower limb or neck problems * Body mass index of 30 kg/m² or more
Where this trial is running
Diepenbeek and 1 other locations
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University — Diepenbeek, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lotte Janssens, PhD — Hasselt University
- Study coordinator: Lotte Janssens, PhD
- Email: lotte.janssens@uhasselt.be
- Phone: +3211292174
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.