Focus of attention during virtual-reality core exercises for older adults with chronic low back pain
Official title: Comparison of External and Internal Focus of Attention in Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Training in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · NCT07414017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether telling older adults with chronic low back pain to focus on external cues versus internal body sensations during virtual-reality core exercises helps improve balance, strength, frailty, and mood.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Center, Kirşehi̇r) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07414017 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older with non-specific chronic low back pain for at least three months who can walk and perform most daily activities independently and have adequate cognition (MMSE ≥ 24).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with specific structural causes of back pain, recent lumbar or lower-extremity surgery, severe neurological disorders, or major uncorrected sensory impairments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Older adults (≥65) with non-specific chronic low back pain will be recruited at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Hospital and screened for eligibility including cognitive and sensory function. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive virtual reality–based core stabilization exercises with either external-focus or internal-focus instructions, with a traditional treatment program included as a comparator. Outcomes include measures of frailty, balance, fall risk, lower-extremity functional strength, sarcopenia risk, and depressive symptoms measured before and after the intervention period. The intervention uses interactive virtual-reality exercises delivered by physiotherapists with standardized attentional-focus cues and pre- and post-intervention assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce fall risk and improve balance, strength, and frailty-related outcomes in older adults with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests external-focus instructions and virtual-reality rehabilitation can improve motor learning and balance, but evidence specifically in older adults with chronic low back pain is limited and results have been mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years and older * Diagnosis of non-specific chronic low back pain lasting at least 3 months * Ability to stand and walk independently (use of assistive devices such as a cane or walker is permitted) * Ability to perform most activities of daily living independently * No severe visual, auditory, or vestibular impairments that would prevent participation in a virtual reality-based exercise program * Adequate cognitive function to understand and follow instructions (Mini-Mental -State Examination score ≥ 24 or clinical judgment) * Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of specific causes of low back pain (e.g., vertebral fracture, tumor, infection, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, advanced spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis) * History of lumbar spine or lower extremity surgery within the past 6 months * Presence of severe neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) or severe peripheral neuropathy * Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases that may pose a risk during exercise participation * Any acute medical condition or musculoskeletal disorder that contraindicates participation in exercise training
Where it's running
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Kirşehir Ahi Evran Univercity
Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Şafak KUZU, PhD
- Email: safak.yumusak@gmail.com
- Phone: +905068490542
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.