Exercise therapy for recurrent low back pain
Efficacy of Specific Skilled Motor Versus General Exercise Training on Peripheral Muscle and Central Brain Alterations in Patients with Recurrent Low Back Pain
NA · University Ghent · NCT05706103
This study is testing whether a specific type of exercise training can help people with recurring low back pain feel better and improve their daily function compared to a more general exercise approach.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05706103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of specific skilled motor control training compared to general extension training on patients with recurrent low back pain (LBP). It aims to understand both the immediate and long-term impacts of these exercise therapies on pain levels, functional disability, and changes in brain and muscle structure/function. The study will involve 62 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of the two training groups in a double-blind manner. By examining the interplay between peripheral muscle dysfunction and central brain changes, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind exercise therapy's effectiveness in treating LBP.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a history of non-specific recurrent low back pain, experiencing at least two episodes per year.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic, subacute, or acute low back pain, or those with specific identifiable pathologies will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective exercise therapies for managing recurrent low back pain, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for exercise therapy in managing low back pain, but this specific approach focusing on the interplay of peripheral and central changes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History of non-specific recurrent LBP with the first onset being at least 6 months ago * At least 2 episodes of LBP/year, with an 'episode' implying pain lasting a minimum of 24 hours which is preceded and followed by at least 1 month without LBP * Minimum LBP intensity during episodes should be ≥2/10 on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 * During remission the NRS intensity for LBP should be 0. * LBP should be of that severity that it limits activities of daily living * LBP should be of that severity that a (para)medic has been consulted at least once regarding the complaints * Flexion pattern of LBP Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic LBP (i.e. duration remission \<1 month) * Subacute LBP (i.e. first onset between 3 and 6 months ago) * Acute (i.e. first onset \<3 months ago) LBP * Specific LBP (i.e. LBP proportionate to an identifiable pathology, e.g. lumbar radiculopathy) * Patients with neuropathic pain * Patients with chronic widespread pain as defined by the criteria of the 1990 ACR (i.e. fibromyalgia) * A lifetime history of spinal traumata (e.g. whiplash), surgery (e.g. laminectomy) or deformations (e.g. scoliosis) * A lifetime history of respiratory, metabolic, neurologic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, orthopedic or rheumatologic diseases * Concomitant therapies (i.e. rehabilitation, alternative medicine or therapies) * Contra-indications for MRI (e.g. suffering from claustrophobia, the presence of metallic foreign material in the body, BMI \>30kg/m²) * Professional athletes * Pregnant women * Breastfeeding women * Women given birth in the last year before enrolment
Where this trial is running
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen
- Ghent University, vakgroep revalidatiewetenschappen — Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica van Oosterwijck, Prof
- Email: Jessica.VanOosterwijck@UGent.be
- Phone: +3293326919
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.
Conditions: Low Back Pain, Recurrent, low back pain, motor control, exercise, randomized controlled trial