Low Back PainLBPNCT07282925
Comparative Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy With Kinetic Control Training on Non-specific Low Back Pain
A study testing Cognitive Functional Therapy in people with Low Back Pain and Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with Kinetic Control Training (KCT) in participants with non-specific low back pain. The study wants to see which approach helps lower pain, reduce disability and improve movement control. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 39 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain, Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Cognitive Functional Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Dec 2025to 13 May 2026
- 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 19 to 39 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients of both sexes
- Aged between 19 to 39
- Patients who score 6 points or higher on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at the time of screening
- Patients who will have Non-Specific Chronic Low Back pain for at least 3 months duration
Who cannot join
- If the primary pain area is not the lumbar spine.
- If leg pain is the primary problem.
- If patient have inflammatory disease.
- If patient have progressive neurological disease.
- If patient have red flag disorders (malignancy/cancer, traumas such as fracture).
- Pregnant females.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Kinetic Control Training on Pain, Disability, Movement Control in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with Kinetic Control Training (KCT) in participants with non-specific low back pain. The study wants to see which approach helps lower pain, reduce disability and improve movement control. The main questions it aims to answer is
- Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain intensity, disability and movement control in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain?
- Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain? Researcher will compare the both CFT and KCT group to see if one treatment is superior to other in treating participants with non-specific back pain.
Read more
Participants will
- Attend treatment sessions based on the group they are placed in.
- Take session three times each week for eight weeks.
- They will be asked short questions about their pain, daily activity, and movement throughout the study.
Read the detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) has the highest prevalence globally among musculoskeletal disorders, affecting around 619 million people in 2020. It is projected that the number of cases will skyrocket to 843 million by 2050. LBP is defined as the localized pain below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds. It is commonly categorized as specific and non-specific low back pain. Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) accounts for nearly 90% of all cases.
NSLBP is multifactorial and mostly new cases recover within a short time but the condition frequently recurs and may become persistent. An extensive review regarding the management of LBP has stated that exercise plays a fundamental role in treating patients with NSLBP. However, the results regarding the appropriate type of exercise are the subject of controversy. Over the past decades, researchers have advised a variety of exercises. However, despite applying various treatment approaches, conservative treatment for NSLBP yields small effect sizes.
Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is developed by Peter O'Sullivan, to address the multidimensional nature of non-specific low back pain. The CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Rather than adopting a one size fits all approach, CFT provides clinicians with the opportunity to explore the multidimensional nature of NSLBP.
Kinetic Control Training (KCT) developed by Comerford, is a clinical framework focused on the assessment and correction of uncontrolled movement. KCT utilizes a three-stage retraining process: (1) cognitive facilitation of correct muscle activation; (2) integration into low-load, non-provocative tasks; and (3) progression to complex, functional movements under load and fatigue.
Despite the promising evidence supporting both CFT and KCT, a clear comparative study of their effectiveness in addressing NSLBP is lacking. Most existing studies have focused on one technique or compared it with general exercise. This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating and comparing these two approaches.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Cognitive Functional Therapy, Kinetic Control Training
- Keywords
- Low Back Pain, Non Specific Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, Cognitive Functional Therapy, Kinetic Control Training, Pain, Disability, Movement Control
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cognitive Functional TherapyBehavioural
Patients will receive 24 sessions over a period of 8 weeks. Each session will be of 1 hour 15 minutes.
Standard Physical Therapy will be provided in which patient will receive Hot pack with TENS and perform a set of exercises including Curl up, Bird dog and side bridge back exercises for 5 repetitions.
Then Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) will be applied from day one. CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Making Sense of Pain : This component reflects the cognitive aspect of Cognitive Functional Therapy. It involves hearing patient's personal narrative about their chronic pain. Exposure with Control: It involves graded exposure to feared movements and functional tasks. Lifestyle Changes: This component focuses on lifestyle factors that contribute to pain and disability. It involves modifying sedentary lifestyle behaviors and encouraging healthy routine.
Kinetic Control TrainingOther
Patients will receive 24 sessions. In each session, Standard Physical Therapy will be applied which will be the same in both groups.
In Kinetic Control Training (KCT), patients will first undergo direction specific movement control tests. These tests will identify direction-specific movement faults (e.g., flexion, extension, rotation control deficits) that contribute to symptoms. Based on these tests, individualized retraining will be provided to the patients. This retraining will improve control of specific muscles which will help reduce pain and improve disability.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Functional Therapy | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Cognitive Functional Therapy |
| Kinetic Control Training | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Kinetic Control Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity Measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Pain intensity will be measured with an 11 point Numeric Pain Rating Scale that is measured from 0 to 10. 0 is no pain, 1-3 indicates mild pain, 4-6 indicates moderate pain and 7-10 is the most severe pain imaginable.
Measured: It will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks and at 8 weeks.
Disability measured by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire
Disability will be measured by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The RMDQ is a valid and reliable tool for estimating the level of disability in Low Back Pain patients. It is composed of 24 questions that are to be answered by the patients with answers of either 'Yes' or 'No'. The variation of the total score may range from a score of 0 (no disability) to a score of 24 (maximum disability).
Measured: It will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Lumbar Motor Control measured by the Luomajoki Motor Control Test Battery
To evaluate lumbar motor control, the Luomajoki Motor Control Test Battery is employed. This battery includes six individual tests that examine movement control in various positions such as standing, sitting, quadruped, and prone. Each test is scored either 0 or 1, with a total score of 3 or higher indicates impaired motor control
Measured: baseline, 4 week and 8 week
Secondary outcomes (2)
Catastrophizing pain will be measured by Pain Catastrophizing Scale.
Catastrophizing pain will be measured by 13-item Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The PCS serves to evaluate catastrophic thinking related to pain. It includes four items rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (all the time), with total scores ranging from 0 to 52.
Measured: baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Self-efficacy will be measured by Pain Self Efficacy Scale
Self-efficacy will be measured by Pain Self Efficacy Scale, a 10-item instrument evaluating a patient's confidence in carrying out daily activities despite experiencing pain. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale and higher scores indicate stronger self-efficacy
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Dec 2025
- Study start15 Dec 2025
- Primary completion13 May 2026
- Study completion13 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Low Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Umber Nawaz, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Investigators
- Nayab Naseem, Principal investigator, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07282925
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/021
- Other IDs
- U1111-1331-9059
- Acronym
- LBP
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Kinetic Control Training on Pain, Disability, Movement Control in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07282925
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- LBP / UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/021
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Low Back Pain, Non Specific Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, Cognitive Functional Therapy, Kinetic Control Training, Pain, Disability, Movement Control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with Kinetic Control Training (KCT) in participants with non-specific low back pain. The study wants to see which approach helps lower pain, reduce disability and improve movement control. The main questions it aims to answer is
- Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain intensity, disability and movement control in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain?
- Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain? Researcher will compare the both CFT and KCT group to see if one treatment is superior to other in treating participants with non-specific back pain.
Participants will
- Attend treatment sessions based on the group they are placed in.
- Take session three times each week for eight weeks.
- They will be asked short questions about their pain, daily activity, and movement throughout the study.
Detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) has the highest prevalence globally among musculoskeletal disorders, affecting around 619 million people in 2020. It is projected that the number of cases will skyrocket to 843 million by 2050. LBP is defined as the localized pain below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds. It is commonly categorized as specific and non-specific low back pain. Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) accounts for nearly 90% of all cases.
NSLBP is multifactorial and mostly new cases recover within a short time but the condition frequently recurs and may become persistent. An extensive review regarding the management of LBP has stated that exercise plays a fundamental role in treating patients with NSLBP. However, the results regarding the appropriate type of exercise are the subject of controversy. Over the past decades, researchers have advised a variety of exercises. However, despite applying various treatment approaches, conservative treatment for NSLBP yields small effect sizes.
Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is developed by Peter O'Sullivan, to address the multidimensional nature of non-specific low back pain. The CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Rather than adopting a one size fits all approach, CFT provides clinicians with the opportunity to explore the multidimensional nature of NSLBP.
Kinetic Control Training (KCT) developed by Comerford, is a clinical framework focused on the assessment and correction of uncontrolled movement. KCT utilizes a three-stage retraining process: (1) cognitive facilitation of correct muscle activation; (2) integration into low-load, non-provocative tasks; and (3) progression to complex, functional movements under load and fatigue.
Despite the promising evidence supporting both CFT and KCT, a clear comparative study of their effectiveness in addressing NSLBP is lacking. Most existing studies have focused on one technique or compared it with general exercise. This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating and comparing these two approaches.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Functional Therapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Cognitive Functional Therapy |
| Kinetic Control Training | Active comparator | Other: Kinetic Control Training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 39 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients of both sexes
- Aged between 19 to 39
- Patients who score 6 points or higher on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at the time of screening
- Patients who will have Non-Specific Chronic Low Back pain for at least 3 months duration
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- If the primary pain area is not the lumbar spine.
- If leg pain is the primary problem.
- If patient have inflammatory disease.
- If patient have progressive neurological disease.
- If patient have red flag disorders (malignancy/cancer, traumas such as fracture).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Functional TherapyPatients will receive 24 sessions over a period of 8 weeks. Each session will be of 1 hour 15 minutes. Standard Physical Therapy will be provided in which patient will receive Hot pack with TENS and perform a set of exercises including Curl up, Bird dog and side bridge back exercises for 5 repetitions. Then Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) will be applied from day one. CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Making Sense of Pain : This component reflects the cognitive aspect of Cognitive Functional Therapy. It involves hearing patient's personal narrative about their chronic pain. Exposure with Control: It involves graded exposure to feared movements and functional tasks. Lifestyle Changes: This component focuses on lifestyle factors that contribute to pain and disability. It involves modifying sedentary lifestyle behaviors and encouraging healthy routine. | Behavioural | Cognitive Functional Therapy |
| Kinetic Control TrainingPatients will receive 24 sessions. In each session, Standard Physical Therapy will be applied which will be the same in both groups. In Kinetic Control Training (KCT), patients will first undergo direction specific movement control tests. These tests will identify direction-specific movement faults (e.g., flexion, extension, rotation control deficits) that contribute to symptoms. Based on these tests, individualized retraining will be provided to the patients. This retraining will improve control of specific muscles which will help reduce pain and improve disability. | Other | Kinetic Control Training |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity Measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: It will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks and at 8 weeks.
Pain intensity will be measured with an 11 point Numeric Pain Rating Scale that is measured from 0 to 10. 0 is no pain, 1-3 indicates mild pain, 4-6 indicates moderate pain and 7-10 is the most severe pain imaginable.
Disability measured by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire
Time frame: It will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Disability will be measured by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The RMDQ is a valid and reliable tool for estimating the level of disability in Low Back Pain patients. It is composed of 24 questions that are to be answered by the patients with answers of either 'Yes' or 'No'. The variation of the total score may range from a score of 0 (no disability) to a score of 24 (maximum disability).
Lumbar Motor Control measured by the Luomajoki Motor Control Test Battery
Time frame: baseline, 4 week and 8 week
To evaluate lumbar motor control, the Luomajoki Motor Control Test Battery is employed. This battery includes six individual tests that examine movement control in various positions such as standing, sitting, quadruped, and prone. Each test is scored either 0 or 1, with a total score of 3 or higher indicates impaired motor control
2 secondary outcomes
Catastrophizing pain will be measured by Pain Catastrophizing Scale.
Time frame: baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Self-efficacy will be measured by Pain Self Efficacy Scale
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nayab Naseem principal investigator
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Cognitive Functional Therapy in people with Low Back Pain and Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 6 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 18 May 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 Pakistan. 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?
Pain Intensity Measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: It will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks and at 8 weeks.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 18 May 2026.