How chronic non-specific low back pain affects thinking and the brain in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.