Exercise therapy for recurrent 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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Ghent University, vakgroep revalidatiewetenschappen
  Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jessica van Oosterwijck, Prof
• Email: Jessica.VanOosterwijck@UGent.be
• Phone: +3293326919

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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.