Pain education with patient-led goal setting for adults with chronic low back pain
Official title: The Effect of Pain Education and Patient-led Goal Setting Compared to Guideline-based Written Information on Pain and Disability in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by Neuroscience Research Australia · NCT06620133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try pain education plus patient-led goal setting versus guideline-based written advice to see if it lowers pain and improves function in adults with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 392 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Neuroscience Research Australia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sydney, New South Wales) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06620133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with non-specific chronic low back pain for at least three months who are currently physically inactive, can understand English, have internet access, and have no contraindications to exercise are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are already physically active, who have serious spinal pathology or contraindications to activity, who are scheduled for major surgery, or who lack English or internet access are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 392 adults with non-specific chronic low back pain and physical inactivity and assign them to either a pain education plus patient-led goal-setting program or to guideline-based written advice. The active program comprises five 45–60 minute telehealth sessions delivered over eight weeks, while the control group receives written information for people with chronic low back pain. Outcomes including pain intensity and disability are measured at baseline and at 8, 26, and 52 weeks to capture short- and longer-term effects. The study excludes people with serious spinal pathology, contraindications to physical activity, or planned major surgery during follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, accessible telehealth approach to reduce pain and disability and help patients set and reach activity goals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of pain education and goal-setting approaches have shown modest benefits for chronic low back pain, but combined patient-led programs delivered via telehealth are less well tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Low back pain of at least 3 months duration * physically inactive (less than or equal to 150min/week moderate intensity physical activity; 75 min/week vigorous activity, or some combination of the two) * no known contraindication(s) to performing physical activity * English language proficiency * access to internet Exclusion Criteria: * physically active (more than 150min/week moderate intensity physical activity, 75 min/week vigorous activity, or some combination of the two) * known contraindication(s) to performing physical activity * known or suspected serious spinal pathology (fracture, metastatic, inflammatory or infective diseases of the spine, cauda equina syndrome/widespread neurological disorder) * scheduled for major surgery during the treatment or follow-up period
Where it's running
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Neuroscience Research Australia
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew D Jones — UNSW Sydney
- Study coordinator: Matthew D Jones
- Email: capacity@neura.edu.au
- Phone: +61 9348 0032
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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.