Pain Neuroscience Education Added to Pre-Op Physical Therapy for Lumbar Surgery
Official title: Additional Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education With Standard Pre-operative Physiotherapy on Post-laminectomy Pain and Disability.
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07801586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial tests whether adding Pain Neuroscience Education to standard pre-operative physical therapy helps reduce pain and disability after lumbar laminectomy for people aged 35-60.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07801586 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 35-60 scheduled for elective 1- or 2-level lumbar laminectomy/decompression for radiculopathy due to stenosis or herniation, with at least three weeks before surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without central sensitization or those not responsive to pre-operative education may see no or limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial examines if a three-week nervous system priming program that combines pain neuroscience education with standard pre-operative exercises improves post-laminectomy outcomes compared with standard pre-operative care. The study enrolls adults aged 35-60 scheduled for elective 1- or 2-level lumbar laminectomy, with at least three weeks before surgery. Participants are assigned to either the experimental group receiving PNE plus standard exercises or a control group receiving standard pre-operative care alone. Primary aims focus on post-operative pain and functional disability, with attention to central sensitization as a contributor to persistent pain after spine surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less pain and disability after lumbar surgery and smoother recovery due to addressing the nervous system's role in pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests education about pain biology can reduce fear and improve outcomes when combined with rehabilitation, but results vary and this specific pre-operative approach is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients * Adults aged 35-60 years. * Scheduled for elective, primary 1- or 2-level lumbar laminectomy/decompression for radiculopathy due to stenosis or herniation. * A pre-surgical waiting period of at least 3 weeks. * Able to understand and provide informed consent in Urdu/English. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment * Unstable medical conditions * Lower limb or spinal fractures or severe joint deformities * Previous lumbar spine surgery. * Cauda equina syndrome or other surgical emergencies. * Major systemic illness (e.g., uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, cancer) or psychiatric disorder that would limit participation. * Non-ambulatory status prior to surgery * Significant Neural deficit after surgery
Where it's running
-
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Afifa Ittefaq, DPT
- Email: drafifaittefaq@gmail.com
- Phone: +92-314-9797962
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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.