VR exergames vs spinal manipulation for chronic nonspecific 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 study tests the acute effects of two interventions on adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants are assigned to receive either a virtual reality exergame session or spinal manipulation, with outcomes including pain, fear of movement, mood, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion measured after the session. The trial aims to determine which approach yields greater short-term improvements and whether one method offers more benefit for these outcomes. VR exergames represent a modern rehabilitation option, while spinal manipulation is a traditional manual therapy; comparing them directly addresses their relative immediate impact. The study is conducted at Cairo University Hospitals under the lead sponsorship of Cairo University.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 20-55 years
* Chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting at least 3 months.
* Pain intensity of ≥3/10 on the VAS at baseline.
* Ability to understand and follow the instructions and complete the VR-EXG and spinal-manipulation procedures.
* Ability to perform the required lumbar movements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Specific spinal pathology, including fracture, spinal infection, malignancy, inflammatory/rheumatologic disease, or severe osteoporosis.
* Previous lumbar or spinal surgery.
* Neurological conditions or progressive neurological deficits, including significant radicular symptoms.
* Serious cardiovascular, systemic, or other medical conditions that contraindicate physical exercise or spinal manipulation.
* Pregnancy.
* Current acute injury or condition that would prevent safe participation in VR-EXG or spinal manipulation.
* Previous adverse reaction or contraindication to spinal manipulation.
* Vestibular disorders, severe dizziness, or other conditions that could interfere with safe VR use.
* Significant visual or auditory impairment that prevents participation in the VR intervention.
* Inability to understand or perform the intervention or outcome assessments.
* Use of analgesic medication within 48 hours before assessment/intervention.

Where it's running

• Cairo University Hospitals
  Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ahmed El Melhat Associate Professor of MSK,BAU, PhD
• Email: ahmed.elmelhat@cau.edu.lb
• Phone: +20 11 12595022

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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.