Wearable MMG belt with haptics and games to motivate core exercises
Motivating Core-muscle Exercises With Wearable Sensors, Haptics and Interactive Gaming
This trial will test whether a wearable mechanomyography (MMG) biofeedback belt with a haptic-enabled mobile app and game features helps adults with chronic non-specific low back pain perform core exercises, reduce pain, and lower disability over 8 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT07555795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic non-specific low back pain are randomly assigned to receive the MMG-biofeedback belt plus standard care or standard care alone for eight weeks. The belt uses mechanomyography sensors to measure trunk muscle activity and provides real-time feedback through a smartphone app with haptics and interactive gaming to encourage correct exercise performance. The primary outcome is change in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), with secondary outcomes including pain scores and exercise adherence. Outcomes in the two groups are compared to see if real-time muscle activation feedback improves function, pain, and adherence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with non-specific low back pain for at least six weeks in the past year and current pain ≥4/10 or ODI >20% who can use a smartphone and attend visits at Imperial College London are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with red-flag spinal pathology, recent spinal surgery or invasive procedures, severe cardiorespiratory disease, pregnant women, or those unable to use the wearable or smartphone are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the system could increase exercise adherence, reduce pain and disability, and support more effective self-management of chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Wearable biofeedback and gamified exercise tools have shown promise in small studies for improving adherence and function, but MMG-based systems for low back pain are relatively novel with limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Over the age of 18
2. Non-specific LBP for at least 6 weeks in the past 12 months
3. Pain 4/10 on a visual analogue scale or more or Oswestry Disability Index over 20%
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Serious spinal pathology ("red flags") such as:
* History of malignancy with new onset back pain suggestive of recurrence.
* Unexplained weight loss, fever, or systemic symptoms.
* Recent significant trauma (e.g., fall from height, road traffic accident).
* Suspected or confirmed spinal infection (e.g., discitis, osteomyelitis).
* Cauda equina symptoms, including urinary retention/incontinence or saddle anaesthesia.
* Progressive neurological deficit (e.g., worsening weakness, loss of reflexes).
2. Recent spinal surgery or invasive spinal procedures within the past 3 months.
3. Severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease that prevents safe participation in mild to moderate exercise (e.g., unstable angina, uncontrolled heart failure).
4. Pregnant women or those less than three months postpartum.
5. Known allergy to materials used in the belt (e.g., Lycra or related fabrics).
6. Cognitive impairment that prevents informed consent or ability to follow exercise instructions.
7. Concurrent participation in another intervention trial that may interfere with the study outcomes.
Where this trial is running
London
- Imperial College London — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Bentley — Imperial College London
- Study coordinator: Reneira Seeamber Balaghee
- Email: r.seeamber18@imperial.ac.uk
- Phone: +447496682750
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.