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Chronic Low-back PainNCT06030128

Core Stabilization Exercise Therapy in Chronic Lower Back Back Management in Community Dwelling Older Adults

A study testing core stabilization exercise in people with Chronic Low-back Pain and Older Adults, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Objectives: To develop an exercise program for older adults with low back pain. And,to develop a clinical prediction rule that could identify a subgroup of people with NSLBP Participants: 150 people aged between 40 to 80 with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) for more than 6 months and is able to ambulate… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 to 80 years
What is being tested?
core stabilization exercise
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
150 participants
Where
1 siteHong Kong
Study dates
15 Sep 2023to 1 May 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 40 to 80 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 1)people aged between 40 to 80 with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) for more than 6 months ;2)people is able to ambulate independently

Who cannot join

  • 1) previous spinal surgery; 2) LBP attributable to current pregnancy; 3) acute fracture, recent fall, tumour, or bone infection; and 4) experience of practising core-stability exercises in the past 6 months

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Hong Kong1 site
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

    Hong Kong

Other trials in Hong Kong

About this study

Official title: Core Stabilization Exercise Therapy in Chronic Lower Back Pain Management in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: To develop an exercise program for older adults with low back pain. And,to develop a clinical prediction rule that could identify a subgroup of people with NSLBP

Participants:

Read more

150 people aged between 40 to 80 with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) for more than 6 months and is able to ambulate independently will be invited to join the study. People who had 1) previous spinal surgery; 2) LBP attributable to current pregnancy; 3) acute fracture, recent fall, tumour, or bone infection; and 4) experience of practising core-stability exercises in the past 6 months will be excluded. Study details will be explained to participants and written consent will be obtained prior the study. 75 participants will be randomized into the intervention group. Another 75 participants will be randomized into the waiting list control group.

Assessment Participants will undergo two comprehensive assessments before and after the training, which includes: Surface electromyogram (EMG) on the lumbar spine and abdominal muscle, Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor for trunk movement, clinical assessment including. Prone instability test.

Subjective assessments: Visual analogue scale score for pain, The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.

Intervention - 16 session structured exercise program All participants will undergo a 16 session exercise program for 2 months. Each session will last for 60minutes. The exercise program will be arranged in a group format with class size ranging from 6 - 8 per class Subjects will be divided into experimental and control groups. Participants in the control group will not receive exercise training at first but were evaluated at the same time as participants in the experimental group. The participant in the control group completed the exercise training after the post-assessment.

Read the detailed description

People with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) demonstrate diversified clinical signs and symptoms. It is because the cause of NSLBP is multifaceted. Due to the varied pathophysiology and clinical behavior, the 'one-suit-all' approach of physiotherapy treatment prescription for people with NSLBP is usually less effective in reducing pain and improving daily function.

Research on identifying subgroups of patients with NSLBP who would benefit from physiotherapy interventions could provide clinicians evidence-based guidelines and enhance the cost-effectiveness of health care service. Earlier research showed that people with NSLBP demonstrated a delay in core muscle activation and general wasting of the trunk and core muscle. These pathological changes support the use of core stability training (e.g., Pilates exercise) to manage people with NSLBP. However, effectiveness of core stability training have not been studied extensively in older adults.

Being tested
core stabilization exercise

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • core stabilization exerciseBehavioural

    All participants will undergo a 16 session exercise program for 2 months. Each session will last for 60minutes. The exercise program will be arranged in a group format with class size ranging from 6-8 per class. Subjects will be divided into experimental and control groups.

Study groups in NCT06030128
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Core stabilization exercise groupExperimentalAll participants will undergo 16 session exercise program for 2 months. Each session will last for 60minutes. The exercise program will be arranged in a group format with class size ranging from 6 - 8per class. Subjects will be divided into experimental and control groups.
Receives: Behavioral: core stabilization exercise
waiting list control groupNo interventionParticipants in the control group will not receive exercise training at first but were evaluated at the same time as participants in the experimental group.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire

    is a widely used questionnaire designed to assess the level of disability and functional impairment in individuals with lower back pain. The questionnaire consists of 10 sections, each focusing on a different aspect of daily living that might be affected by back pain, such as personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual life, social life, and traveling.

    Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The scores for all sections are then summed and converted to a percentage, which can range from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  2. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire

    is a widely used questionnaire designed to assess the level of disability and functional impairment in individuals with lower back pain. The questionnaire consists of 10 sections, each focusing on a different aspect of daily living that might be affected by back pain, such as personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual life, social life, and traveling.

    Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The scores for all sections are then summed and converted to a percentage, which can range from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

Secondary outcomes (16)
  1. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a tool commonly used to measure a person's pain intensity. The scale typically consists of a 10cm horizontal line. Anchored by two verbal descriptors, one for each symptom extreme. For pain intensity, the scale is most often anchored by "No Pain" at one end and "Worst Imaginable Pain" at the other.

    Patients are asked to mark a point along the line that represents their current level of pain.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  2. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a tool commonly used to measure a person's pain intensity. The scale typically consists of a 10cm horizontal line. Anchored by two verbal descriptors, one for each symptom extreme. For pain intensity, the scale is most often anchored by "No Pain" at one end and "Worst Imaginable Pain" at the other.

    Patients are asked to mark a point along the line that represents their current level of pain.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  3. Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire

    Participants finish the questionnaire with the help of investigators to assess how a patient's fear avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work may affect and contribute to their low back pain and resulting disability.

    The scale score range from 0 - 96, a higher score indicates a higher level of fear avoidance beliefs.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  4. Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire

    Participants finish the questionnaire with the help of investigators to assess how a patient's fear avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work may affect and contribute to their low back pain and resulting disability.

    The scale score range from 0 - 96, a higher score indicates a higher level of fear avoidance beliefs.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  5. Surface EMG

    EMG-sensors attached to the skin overlying the erector spinae at the T4 vertebrae (approximately 2-3 cm from the midline of the back) on both sides.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  6. Surface EMG

    EMG-sensors attached to the skin overlying the erector spinae at the T4 vertebrae (approximately 2-3 cm from the midline of the back) on both sides.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  7. IMU-sensor

    IMU-sensors attached to the skin overlying the erector spinae at the T3 and L1 vertebrae(approximately 3-4 cm from the midline of the back), Pelvis(S2) and femur. IMU-sensors were positioned unilaterally on the right side.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  8. IMU-sensor

    IMU-sensors attached to the skin overlying the erector spinae at the T3 and L1 vertebrae(approximately 3-4 cm from the midline of the back), Pelvis(S2) and femur. IMU-sensors were positioned unilaterally on the right side.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  9. Prone instability test

    Participants will assume a face-down position on a bench, allowing their legs to dangle off the edge so that their feet touch the ground. Manual pressure will then be applied on various lumbar spine segments to induce pain. If pain occurs, participants then raise their legs off the ground before the application of back-to-front pressure is repeated. A reduction in pain when lifting the legs indicates the ability to actively stabilize the spine, signifying a positive test result. In such cases, a stability-focused exercise regimen would be appropriate for the individual.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  10. Prone instability test

    Participants will assume a face-down position on a bench, allowing their legs to dangle off the edge so that their feet touch the ground. Manual pressure will then be applied on various lumbar spine segments to induce pain. If pain occurs, participants then raise their legs off the ground before the application of back-to-front pressure is repeated. A reduction in pain when lifting the legs indicates the ability to actively stabilize the spine, signifying a positive test result. In such cases, a stability-focused exercise regimen would be appropriate for the individual.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  11. straight leg raise (SLR)

    The Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test is a commonly used diagnostic procedure to evaluate for the presence of lumbar radiculopathy, often caused by a herniated disc. During the test, the patient lies flat on their back on an examination table. The examiner then lifts one of the patient's straightened legs by the ankle, keeping the knee extended.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  12. straight leg raise (SLR)

    The Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test is a commonly used diagnostic procedure to evaluate for the presence of lumbar radiculopathy, often caused by a herniated disc. During the test, the patient lies flat on their back on an examination table. The examiner then lifts one of the patient's straightened legs by the ankle, keeping the knee extended

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  13. internal rotation range of motion

    When the knee is in a position of flexion between 30 and 90 degrees, there are approximately 45 degrees external and 25 degrees internal rotation. Rotatory motion decreases with further extension and, at 5 degrees of flexion, the knee has 23 degrees external and 10 degrees internal rotation.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  14. internal rotation range of motion

    When the knee is in a position of flexion between 30 and 90 degrees, there are approximately 45 degrees external and 25 degrees internal rotation. Rotatory motion decreases with further extension and, at 5 degrees of flexion, the knee has 23 degrees external and 10 degrees internal rotation.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

  15. FABER test

    The FABER test is used to identify the presence of hip pathology by attempting to reproduce pain in the hip, lumbar spine or sacroiliac region. The test is a passive screening tool for musculoskeletal pathologies, such as hip, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or an iliopsoas spasm.

    Measured: pre-intervention session (T1)

  16. FABER test

    The FABER test is used to identify the presence of hip pathology by attempting to reproduce pain in the hip, lumbar spine or sacroiliac region. The test is a passive screening tool for musculoskeletal pathologies, such as hip, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or an iliopsoas spasm.

    Measured: post-intervention (8 weeks after start of intervention;T2)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted8 Sep 2023
  2. Study start15 Sep 2023
  3. Primary completion1 May 2025
  4. Study completion1 May 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
75 participants will be randomized into the intervention group. Another 75 participants will be randomized into the waiting list control group.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
150 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06030128
Sponsor's protocol ID
20230506002
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
31 Aug 2023
Last updated
6 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Lee JH, Hoshino Y, Nakamura K, Kariya Y, Saita K, Ito K. Trunk muscle weakness as a risk factor for low back pain. A 5-year prospective study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1999 Jan 1;24(1):54-7. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199901010-00013.

    PubMed 9921591
  • Kato S, Murakami H, Demura S, Yoshioka K, Shinmura K, Yokogawa N, Igarashi T, Yonezawa N, Shimizu T, Tsuchiya H. Abdominal trunk muscle weakness and its association with chronic low back pain and risk of falling in older women. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019 Jun 3;20(1):273. doi: 10.1186/s12891-019-2655-4.

    PubMed 31159812
  • Arendt-Nielsen L, Graven-Nielsen T, Svarrer H, Svensson P. The influence of low back pain on muscle activity and coordination during gait: a clinical and experimental study. Pain. 1996 Feb;64(2):231-240. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(95)00115-8.

    PubMed 8740599
  • Lamoth CJ, Meijer OG, Daffertshofer A, Wuisman PI, Beek PJ. Effects of chronic low back pain on trunk coordination and back muscle activity during walking: changes in motor control. Eur Spine J. 2006 Jan;15(1):23-40. doi: 10.1007/s00586-004-0825-y. Epub 2005 Apr 29.

    PubMed 15864670
  • Walter BA, Mageswaran P, Mo X, Boulter DJ, Mashaly H, Nguyen XV, Prevedello LM, Thoman W, Raterman BD, Kalra P, Mendel E, Marras WS, Kolipaka A. MR Elastography-derived Stiffness: A Biomarker for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Radiology. 2017 Oct;285(1):167-175. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2017162287. Epub 2017 May 4.

    PubMed 28471737
  • Roussel NA, Nijs J, Meeus M, Mylius V, Fayt C, Oostendorp R. Central sensitization and altered central pain processing in chronic low back pain: fact or myth? Clin J Pain. 2013 Jul;29(7):625-38. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31826f9a71.

    PubMed 23739534
  • Nakamura M, Nishiwaki Y, Sumitani M, Ushida T, Yamashita T, Konno S, Taguchi T, Toyama Y. Investigation of chronic musculoskeletal pain (third report): with special reference to the importance of neuropathic pain and psychogenic pain. J Orthop Sci. 2014 Jul;19(4):667-75. doi: 10.1007/s00776-014-0567-6. Epub 2014 Apr 16.

    PubMed 24737064
  • Assendelft WJ, Morton SC, Yu EI, Suttorp MJ, Shekelle PG. Spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain. A meta-analysis of effectiveness relative to other therapies. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Jun 3;138(11):871-81. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-138-11-200306030-00008.

    PubMed 12779297
  • Hayden JA, van Tulder MW, Malmivaara AV, Koes BW. Meta-analysis: exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain. Ann Intern Med. 2005 May 3;142(9):765-75. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-142-9-200505030-00013.

    PubMed 15867409
  • Fritz JM, Lindsay W, Matheson JW, Brennan GP, Hunter SJ, Moffit SD, Swalberg A, Rodriquez B. Is there a subgroup of patients with low back pain likely to benefit from mechanical traction? Results of a randomized clinical trial and subgrouping analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007 Dec 15;32(26):E793-800. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31815d001a.

    PubMed 18091473
  • Hicks GE, Fritz JM, Delitto A, McGill SM. Preliminary development of a clinical prediction rule for determining which patients with low back pain will respond to a stabilization exercise program. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 Sep;86(9):1753-62. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2005.03.033.

    PubMed 16181938
  • Cooper RG, St Clair Forbes W, Jayson MI. Radiographic demonstration of paraspinal muscle wasting in patients with chronic low back pain. Br J Rheumatol. 1992 Jun;31(6):389-94. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/31.6.389.

    PubMed 1534505
  • Danneels LA, Vanderstraeten GG, Cambier DC, Witvrouw EE, De Cuyper HJ. CT imaging of trunk muscles in chronic low back pain patients and healthy control subjects. Eur Spine J. 2000 Aug;9(4):266-72. doi: 10.1007/s005860000190.

    PubMed 11261613
  • Ravenna MM, Hoffman SL, Van Dillen LR. Low interrater reliability of examiners performing the prone instability test: a clinical test for lumbar shear instability. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Jun;92(6):913-9. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.12.042.

    PubMed 21621668
  • Luomajoki H, Kool J, de Bruin ED, Airaksinen O. Reliability of movement control tests in the lumbar spine. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 Sep 12;8:90. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-8-90.

    PubMed 17850669

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing core stabilization exercise in people with Chronic Low-back Pain and Older Adults, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (time frame: pre-intervention session (T1)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06030128, which also lists 17 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Aug 2026.

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