Nature-based program for chronic low back pain in older adults
Nature-based Intervention Program for Sustainable Health in Older People Living With Chronic Non-specific Lower Back Pain (PARC Project 2) - A Feasibility Trial
This 8-week, once-weekly program will try outdoor physical activities and nature-based therapies to see if they help people aged 65 and older with chronic non-specific lower back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saguenay, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT07002853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The program delivers an 8-week group intervention for 15 older adults, meeting once a week for two hours outdoors. Sessions combine walking, back mobility and strengthening exercises with nature-based practices such as shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), meditation, gardening, and pain education. Outcomes are measured before and after the program using quantitative questionnaires (pain disability, quality of life, kinesiophobia, fear of falling, pain catastrophisation, pain beliefs, well-being, depression, nature connectedness) and physical tests (five-times sit-to-stand, postural control, gait). The study will also collect qualitative feedback to capture participants' experiences and acceptability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older with chronic non-specific low back pain for at least three months who can walk independently, have an MMSE score above 25, and a frailty score under 3.
Not a fit: People with severe musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic diseases (for example cancer), or those unable to walk independently, are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve mobility, strength, balance, and mental well-being and reduce pain-related disability in older adults with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Some small prior studies of nature-based interventions report benefits for mental well-being and activity levels, but evidence specific to chronic non-specific low back pain is still limited and exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years + * Having low back pain for 3 months or more * Being able to walk independently * Mental state \>25/30 in the MMSE questionnaire * Frailty score \<3/5 (Fried criterias) Exclusion Criteria: * Presenting other severe musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions, or systemic diseases (e.g., cancer).
Where this trial is running
Saguenay, Quebec
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi — Saguenay, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Émilie Fortin, M.Sc — Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
- Study coordinator: Rubens A. da Silva, Ph.D.
- Email: rubens.dasilva@uqac.ca
- Phone: 418 545-5011
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.