Using an app to help manage chronic low-back pain
Alberta Chiropractic SelfBack Study
This study is testing whether the SelfBack app can help people with chronic low-back pain manage their symptoms better when it's provided through chiropractors in Alberta.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06347991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of distributing the SelfBack app to patients with chronic low-back pain through chiropractors in Alberta. The SelfBack app is designed to support self-management behaviors and improve patient outcomes related to low-back pain. Chiropractors will be trained to use the app and will identify eligible patients in their practice to participate. The app collects patient data and provides personalized advice to enhance self-management of their condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Alberta residents aged 18 and older with persistent low-back pain impacting daily activities for over a month.
Not a fit: Patients with complex back pain requiring direct clinical oversight or those with cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could empower patients to better manage their chronic low-back pain and reduce reliance on ineffective medical interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of apps for self-management of chronic pain is gaining traction, this specific approach using the SelfBack app is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Clinician Inclusion Criteria: * Practicing chiropractor in Alberta. * Will have access to ATLAS, ChiroSUITE, or Jane software packages * Must have completed and filed a Privacy Impact Assessment with the Government of Alberta, as identified under the Health Information Act. * Connected to Alberta's electronic health record, Netcare Patient Inclusion Criteria: * Patients of enrolled chiropractors having persistent and/or recurrent LBP defined as those currently having LBP that has impacted daily activities for \> 1 month. I * Alberta resident 18 years of age or older * Must have a personal smartphone with internet access. * Must have a working e-mail address. * Must speak, read, and write English or have regular access to persons who can assist in this regard. Patient exclusion criteria: * Patients who have complex back pain that requires direct clinical oversight. * Patients with cognitive impairments or learning disabilities that limit participation. * Patients with serious mental illness. * Patients who have non-LBP illnesses or conditions that are contraindicated to participation in SelfBack (e.g. exercise). * Patients who have terminal illness * Patients who are unable to take part in exercise/physical activity.
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Greg Kawchuk, PhD
- Email: greg.kawchuk@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 780-492-6891
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.