Examining back muscle characteristics to improve exercise therapy for low back pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.