How chronic non-specific low back pain affects thinking and the brain in older adults
The Impacts of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
We will see if chronic non-specific low back pain is linked to poorer executive skills (like inhibition, switching, and working memory) and brain changes in people aged 60–85.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07134699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This longitudinal observational study will follow Cantonese-speaking adults aged 60–85 with and without chronic non-specific low back pain to compare cognitive and brain changes over time. Participants with normal cognition at baseline will complete standardized tests targeting executive functions and assessments of daily functioning. Brain imaging (MRI) will be used to identify structural or functional differences associated with chronic pain and cognitive performance. The design compares groups across multiple time points to explore whether chronic pain predicts later cognitive decline or brain changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are Cantonese-speaking, right-handed adults aged 60–85 with at least six years of education and normal cognition who either have chronic non-specific low back pain or no chronic pain, can ambulate (canes/walkers allowed), and can use email or text.
Not a fit: People with specific spinal diagnoses, other chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, prior lumbar or lower-extremity surgery, neurological or psychiatric disorders, severe mobility dependence, non-Cantonese speakers, left-handed individuals, or those with cognitive impairment (HK-MoCA <26) would not be expected to benefit from or qualify for this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify older adults with low back pain who are at higher risk of cognitive decline and inform earlier strategies to preserve thinking and daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have linked chronic pain with worse cognition and brain changes, but longitudinal imaging studies specifically in older adults with chronic non-specific low back pain are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults with and without chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) aged between 60 and 85 years * Having normal cognitive function (Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 26)13 * Right-handed * Cantonese speaking * Having at least 6 years of formal education and know how to read and write Chinese * Agreeing to sign an informed consent form * Being able to communicate via email or text message because several study measures will be collected electronically. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to ambulate without assistance from another person (canes or walkers will be allowed) * Having specific causes of LBP (e.g., spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, recent vertebral fracture, spinal infection) * Having other concurrent musculoskeletal conditions at other body parts (e.g., fibromyalgia, or neck or knee pain) * Self-reported history of lumbar or lower extremity surgery * Self-reported history of neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g., stroke, brain surgery, head trauma; schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder, stroke) or self-reported cancer history * Self-reported specific inflammatory disorder: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatica, scleroderma, lupus, or polymyositis * Unexplained, unintended weight loss of 20 lbs or more in the past year * Cauda equina syndrome * Uncorrected visual deficit * Drug or alcohol addiction * Taking alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines medicines 24 hours before the experiment * Claustrophobia * Contraindications for undergoing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination based on the MRI safety screening form of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chun Liang Hsu, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Frank F Huang, MD
- Email: fan2023.huang@connect.polyu.hk
- Phone: 852-5303-7752
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.