Group hydrotherapy for athletes with chronic low back pain
Group Hydrotherapy Treatment for Athletes With Lower Back Pain
NA · University of Haifa · NCT06894355
This program will test whether a six-week group hydrotherapy course helps athletes with chronic low back pain reduce pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Haifa (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Netanya) |
| Trial ID | NCT06894355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls athletes with chronic low back pain who train more than five times per week and report pain above 3 on the visual analogue scale. Participants will complete a six-week, physiotherapist-led group hydrotherapy program using waist-to-neck depth exercises, resistance at varying depths, and buoyancy/resistance devices, while a control group will not receive the hydrotherapy intervention. Outcomes measured before and after the program include the Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue pain score, hip range of motion, forward flexion distance, back alignment, and a global rating of change. The study aims to see if group-based aquatic exercise improves pain and functional measures in athletes compared with controls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are athletes with low back pain lasting more than three months who train at least five times per week and report a VAS pain score above 3, without neurological deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with acute back pain, neurological signs (for example decreased strength or reflexes), or leg-radiating pain are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-impact group hydrotherapy approach could reduce pain and improve spinal function so athletes can train and compete more comfortably.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of aquatic therapy for chronic low back pain have shown modest improvements in pain and function, though group hydrotherapy specifically tailored to high-training athletes is less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Athletes who complain of low back pain for over 3 months, * VAS\>3 * train more than 5 times a week. Exclusion Criteria: * acute back pain * neurological signs (decreased muscle strength, decreased reflexes, radiating to the leg).
Where this trial is running
Netanya
- Wingate institue — Netanya, Israel (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gali Dar, PhD
- Email: galidar@yahoo.com
- Phone: +972505662054
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, hydrotherapy, low back pain, group, athlete