Telerehabilitation program to improve function in adults with chronic low back pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial enrolls IMSS beneficiaries aged 18–60 with chronic non-specific low back pain treated at Family Medicine Unit No. 69 in Texcoco. Participants are randomized to receive usual primary care alone or usual care plus a 6-week telerehabilitation program delivered through an online platform with structured exercises and education. The primary outcome is change in function measured by the Oswestry Disability Index, with secondary outcomes including pain intensity, adherence, and patient satisfaction. The design tests the feasibility and added clinical benefit of a digital rehabilitation program in a real-world public healthcare setting.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults between 18 and 60 years of age.
* Clinical diagnosis of chronic non-specific low back pain (duration ≥ 12 weeks).
* Pain intensity ≥ 3 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline.
* Enrolled as beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) and receiving care at a primary care clinic.
* Access to a smartphone or computer with internet connection.
* Ability to read and understand written instructions in Spanish.
* Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Specific causes of low back pain (e.g., fractures, tumors, infections, inflammatory or rheumatic diseases).
* Neurological deficits suggestive of radiculopathy or myelopathy.
* Pregnancy.
* Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders that limit participation.
* Recent spinal surgery (within the last 6 months).
* Participation in another rehabilitation or exercise program for low back pain within the previous 3 months.
* Any medical condition that contraindicates physical exercise, as determined by the treating physician.

The upper age limit of 60 years was established to minimize confounding factors related to advanced degenerative joint disease. Individuals older than 60 frequently present radiographic or clinical signs of grade III or higher lumbar osteoarthritis, which may produce chronic pain and functional limitation independent of the intervention. Including these participants could obscure the true effect of the telerehabilitation program on functional improvement and pain reduction in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Where it's running

• Family Medicine Unit No. 69, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)
  México, Texcoco, Mexico Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Arlette R. Ordoñez Flores, MD, MSc — Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social
• Study coordinator: ARLETTE R. ORDOÑEZ FLORES, MD, MSc
• Email: dra.ordonez.rehab@gmail.com
• Phone: +52 55 59950338

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Collagen Mesotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain in the Lumbosacral Region

  This study tests whether collagen mesotherapy, with or without lidocaine, can reduce pain and improve function in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain localized to the lumbosacral area.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Poland · Warsaw · NCT07675304

• Immediate effects of manual vs verbal cues during movement training for chronic low back pain

  In people with chronic non-specific low back pain, this trial tests whether manual cues or verbal cues during movement training produce better immediate movement control and related outcomes.

  Recruiting at 2 sites National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · Taipei, Taiwan and 1 other locations · NCT07324538

• Pain education with patient-led goal setting for adults with chronic low back pain

  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.

  Recruiting Neuroscience Research Australia · Sydney, New South Wales · NCT06620133

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.