Using electrical stimulation with exercises to improve low back pain

In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain, Ultrasonographic Evaluation Of The Effect Of Applied Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In Addition To Lumber Stabilization Exercises On The Multifidus Muscle Thickness

Not applicable Interventional Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · NCT05761808

This study is testing if adding electrical stimulation to exercise can help people with chronic low back pain strengthen their back muscles better than exercise alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT05761808 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with lumbar stabilization exercises on the thickness of the multifidus muscle in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving only stabilization exercises and the other receiving both exercises and NMES. The study seeks to determine if the addition of NMES leads to greater improvements in muscle thickness compared to exercises alone. Chronic low back pain affects a significant portion of the population, and this study explores a potentially effective treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing chronic low back pain for more than three months with a pain severity rating above 3 on the NRS scale.

Not a fit: Patients with radiculopathy, recent low back pain, neurological diseases, or contraindications to NMES may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance treatment outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain by improving muscle function and reducing pain.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown positive effects of stabilization exercises, the combination with NMES is being explored for the first time in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Low back pain persist more than 3 months
* NRS scale is above 3
* Agree to participation and fill in the consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* radiculopathy
* low back pain persists less than 3 months
* neurological disease
* history of lumber spinal surgery
* pregnancy
* active skin infection
* obesity and morbid obesity (BMI more than 30)
* NMES contraindication

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Painmultifidusultrasound
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.