How Osteopathic Treatment Might Help the Leg and Foot in Chronic Low Back Pain
Official title: Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Effect on the Leg and Foot Myofascial System in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain - Pilot Study
Run by Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine · NCT07193212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot test will see if osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can improve pain, function, and well‑being in adults with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Auburn, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07193212 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with chronic low back pain persisting more than 3 months or pain present more than 50% of the time in the last year.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent spine surgery, certain spine or foot conditions, cancer, inflammatory diseases, pregnancy, tobacco use, diabetes, or recent manual therapy could be less likely to benefit or may be at higher risk of adverse effects.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a small, early‑stage study to explore whether OMT targeting the back and surrounding myofascial regions can influence physical and psychological outcomes in chronic low back pain. Twenty adults will receive four OMT sessions over 5–7 weeks. Researchers will collect ultrasound measures of muscle stiffness, plantar pressure during walking, and patient surveys on pain, disability, sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and self‑efficacy, to look for patterns between biomechanics and well‑being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a nonpharmacologic option to reduce pain and improve daily function for people with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest that osteopathic approaches can affect musculoskeletal function; however, rigorous evidence in this specific context is still emerging.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * male and female subjects 18-65 years old * presence of chronic low back \> 3 months duration or pain present \> 50% of the time within the previous 12 months Exclusion Criteria: * prior surgery of the thoracic, lumbar or sacral spine, pelvis * diagnosis lumbar radiculopathy or pinched nerve in the neck * diagnosis of foot condition that alters gait * diagnosis of connective tissue or muscle disorders * diagnosis of cancer * previous spinal cord injury inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia * pregnancy * tobacco use * known diabetes or prediabetes * allergy to ultrasound gel (propylene glycol) * history of manual therapy treatment within the past 2 weeks * injection for pain within the past 1 month * currently taking muscle relaxers
Where it's running
-
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Auburn, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Cawley, DC, MS, MSHS — Vcom
- Study coordinator: Daniel Cawley, DC, MS, MSHS
- Email: dcawley@vcom.edu
- Phone: 334-442-4105
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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.