Improving movement quality and balance in people with chronic low back pain through trunk muscle training

Trunk and Lower Limb Movement Quality and Stability Improvement in People With Chronic Low Back Pain Following Different Types of Isometric Trunk Muscle Training

NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06944730

This study is testing whether trunk muscle training can help people with chronic low back pain improve their movement and balance compared to a group that only receives education about back care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06944730 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effects of trunk muscle training on movement quality and balance in individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will engage in either structural exercise (SE), isolated trunk exercise (ITE), or a control group receiving back school education over a two-month period. The study will measure changes in pain, disability, and physical functioning through questionnaires and tests, while also comparing the effectiveness of SE and ITE. The training intensity will be standardized across both exercise types to ensure consistency in results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 18-25 kg/m2 who have experienced intermittent low back pain for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to exercise, other chronic diseases, or significant mobility restrictions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved movement quality and balance for patients with chronic low back pain, enhancing their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar exercise interventions for chronic low back pain, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* body mass index (BMI) 18-25 kg/m2
* experiencing intermittent pain lasting at least 3 months
* had Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score ranging between 17% and 45%.

Exclusion Criteria:

* exercise contraindication based on physical activity readiness questionnaire
* indication or diagnosis of other chronic diseases (such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bone fracture, or infection)
* artificial lower limb joints, history of spinal surgery, walking aid use
* personal mobility restrictions (due to connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, or central nervous system disorders)
* pregnancy or within 1 year post partum

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Low Back Pain, movement quality, balance, trunk muscle training

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.