Pain education with patient-led goal setting for adults with chronic low back pain
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
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 392 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Neuroscience Research Australia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sydney, New South Wales) |
| Trial ID | NCT06620133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Sydney, New South Wales
- 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
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.