Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain

The Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Experiences of Using a Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Among Older People With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT05919446

This study is testing whether combining a special therapy with exercise can help older adults with chronic low back pain feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05919446 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the feasibility and potential efficacy of combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with back exercise training for older adults suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). The study will recruit 30 participants who will be randomly assigned to either the ACT plus exercise group or a control group receiving only exercise. Participants will complete questionnaires to assess their pain, physical function, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life before, immediately after, and three months post-treatment. Additionally, qualitative research will explore participants' experiences with the interventions, identifying facilitators and barriers to participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain lasting at least three months who can read and write in Chinese.

Not a fit: Patients with malignant pain, confirmed dementia, severe cognitive impairment, or serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve psychological flexibility and overall quality of life for older adults with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific combination of ACT and exercise has not been tested in this population, similar approaches have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. have non-specific LBP in or near the lumbosacral spine with or without leg pain that lasts for at least 3-months in the last 12 months
2. have sought some medical or healthcare professional treatments for CLBP
3. able to read and write at an adequate level of proficiency in Chinese
4. Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores 23 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

1. people with malignant pain or lumbar spinal stenosis
2. confirmed dementia
3. severe cognitive impairment
4. serious psychiatric or psychological disorders
5. Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores below 23

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. 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 PainAcceptance and commitment therapypsychological flexibility
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.