Expressive art therapy plus exercise for older adults with chronic low back pain
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Use of Supervised Group Art Therapy Among Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Participant Experiences
NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT07141082
This project will try combining group expressive art activities with supervised exercise to see if it reduces pain and improves function in adults aged 60 and over with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07141082 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pilot randomized controlled trial that compares supervised group expressive art therapy combined with exercise to exercise alone in older adults with non-specific chronic low back pain. The trial uses a mixed-methods design with quantitative questionnaires measuring pain intensity, functional ability, psychological flexibility, and health-related quality of life, alongside qualitative semi-structured focus groups and interviews. Primary aims are feasibility metrics including recruitment, retention, and adherence, and secondary aims are preliminary signals of clinical benefit. Sessions are delivered in person and participants must read and write Traditional Chinese and meet cognitive screening criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 60 or older with non-specific low back pain lasting at least three months who have sought medical care, can read and write Traditional Chinese, and meet the MoCA-5 cognitive cutoff.
Not a fit: Patients with malignant pain, lumbar spinal stenosis, confirmed dementia or severe cognitive impairment, serious major medical or psychiatric disorders, or those already receiving physiotherapy or psychological treatments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined expressive art and exercise program could reduce pain, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life for older adults with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot studies and art-based pain interventions have suggested benefits for coping and mood in chronic pain, but rigorous randomized evidence for expressive art therapy plus exercise in older adults with CLBP is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 60 years and above * currently experiencing non-specific low back pain for at least three months * who have sought medical treatment for CLBP * can read and write in Traditional Chinese * MoCA-5 of 18 or above Exclusion Criteria: * malignant pain * lumbar spinal stenosis * confirmed dementia * severe cognitive impairment * serious major medical or psychiatric disorders * currently receiving physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological treatments
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fadi Al Zoubi, PhD
- Email: fadi.alzoubi@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 852-2766-6705
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: Chronic Low Back Pain, art therapy, expressive art, chronic low back pain, Musculoskeletal Diseases, physiotherapy practice, Physical therapists, Physiotherapists