Chronic Low Back PainNCT07576062
Efficacy of Cognitive Functional Therapy in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain After Spinal Surgery
A study testing CFT in people with Chronic Low Back Pain and After Lumbar Spine Surgery, run by Centro Universitário Augusto Motta.
Trial summary
Chronic low back pain after spinal surgery is a complex and disabling condition influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a promising intervention targeting these multidimensional aspects. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Low Back Pain, After Lumbar Spine Surgery, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
- What is being tested?
- CFT
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- May 2026to Nov 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-75 years
- Chronic low back pain ≥12 weeks
- History of lumbar surgery ≥3 months
- Pain intensity ≥3 (NPRS)
- ODI ≥14%
Who cannot join
- Serious spinal pathology
- Neurological disorders
- Radiculopathy
- Pregnancy
- Unstable cardiac conditions
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of Cognitive Functional Therapy in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain After Spinal Surgery: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
Chronic low back pain after spinal surgery is a complex and disabling condition influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a promising intervention targeting these multidimensional aspects. This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of CFT versus a sham intervention (detuned photobiomodulation) in participants with chronic low back pain after spinal surgery.
Read the detailed description
Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a multidimensional intervention based on the biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain. The intervention comprises three main components: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. The trial will be conducted at a private outpatient clinic located in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 90 participants of both sexes with chronic low back pain after spinal surgery will be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: (I) the CFT group (n = 45) and (II) the sham group (n = 45). Participants will attend one session per week for a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be disability, measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100).
- Being tested
- CFT, Sham Detuned Photobiomodulation
- Keywords
- Cognitive Functional Therapy, Spinal Surgery, Low-intensity light therapy, Placebo, Pain management, back pain, chronic pain, low back pain, Sham
- Medical subject headings
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, Agnosia, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
CFTBehavioural
Participants will receive up to eight sessions of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), each lasting 50 minutes, delivered once per week over a maximum of 12 weeks; the first session will last 60 minutes. Weekly reminders will be provided to enhance adherence.
All participants will receive an educational booklet addressing chronic pain, maladaptive beliefs, and unhelpful pain-related behaviors. The intervention includes individualized strategies aimed at improving pain understanding, reducing protective behaviors, promoting functional movement, and supporting lifestyle changes. The program also incorporates strategies for autonomous management of symptom exacerbations.
The fidelity of the CFT intervention will be monitored through recorded sessions throughout the clinical trial. Recordings will be made for every seven participants allocated to the CFT group. Three researchers with expertise in the CFT will watch the recorded videos and provide feedback to the treating physiotherapist.
Sham Detuned PhotobiomodulationDevice
A detuned photobiomodulation device (infrared DMC 904 nm, non-visible beam) will be used, delivering no therapeutic dose (0 J). Applications will be performed at standardized points in the lumbar region, including central points over the spinous processes and bilateral paravertebral regions, without active energy delivery.
Each session will last 27 minutes, totaling eight sessions per participant. Additionally, participants will receive at least 15 minutes of neutral talking, in which maladaptive beliefs will not be challenged. The therapist will maintain an empathetic and engaging posture while encouraging discussion of neutral topics (e.g., hobbies, sports, current events), without providing advice or problem-solving. Pain-related or emotional discussions will be gently redirected. Weekly reminders will be provided to enhance adherence. All participants will receive an educational booklet addressing chronic pain, maladaptive beliefs, and unhelpful pain-related behaviors.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) | Experimental | Participants allocated to this group will receive Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), a physiotherapy-led intervention targeting pain-related behaviors, beliefs, and functional limitations. The program includes individualized sessions focusing on making sense of pain, exposure with control, and lifestyle changes. Sessions will be delivered weekly over a period of up to 12 weeks. The physiotherapist--researcher has completed more than 80 hours of training, including in--person and online courses, supervisions and interactive case discussions with feedback by physical therapists with more than 10 years of clinical experience using CFT in Brazil. Receives: Behavioral: CFT |
| Sham Detuned Photobiomodulation | Sham comparator | Participants allocated to this group will receive sham photobiomodulation combined with neutral talking. The intervention is designed to control for non-specific effects such as therapist attention and interaction, without delivering an active intervention. Sessions will be conducted weekly over the study period. Receives: Device: Sham Detuned Photobiomodulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Disability on ODI
Disability due to low back pain (LBP), assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100) at post-treatment (12 weeks), will be the primary outcome measure.
The ODI was originally developed by Fairbank et al. (1980) and consists of 10 items, each with six response options. The version adapted and validated for Brazilian Portuguese was proposed by Vigatto et al. (2007). The total score will be calculated by summing the items, with a maximum score of 50 points, which is subsequently converted into a percentage (0 to 100), with higher scores indicating greater functional disability.
Measured: 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (9)
Pain Intensity (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), which will be administered verbally in this study in the form of an interview at the time of assessment, is a unidimensional measure that is easy to apply across different cultures and languages, and has been validated for assessing pain intensity in adults. It consists of 11 integer points ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst imaginable pain" (Childs, Piva, \& Fritz, 2005).
Lower NPRS scores indicate lower pain intensity, which can be qualitatively classified as mild (1-3 points), moderate (4-6 points), and severe (7-10 points).
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Sleep Disturbance
The outcome related to sleep disturbance will be extracted from this inventory (Eriksen, Ihlebæk, \& Ursin, 1999). This variable will be assessed using the question: "Have you had problems with sleep in the past month?" Based on the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory, response options range from "none" = 0, "a little" = 1, "some" = 2, and "severe" = 3.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Disability on ODI
Disability due to low back pain (LBP), assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100) at post-treatment (12 weeks), will be the primary outcome measure. The ODI was originally developed by Fairbank et al. (1980) and consists of 10 items, each with six response options. The version adapted and validated for Brazilian Portuguese was proposed by Vigatto et al. (2007). The total score will be calculated by summing the items, with a maximum score of 50 points, which is subsequently converted into a percentage (0 to 100), with higher scores indicating greater functional disability.
Measured: 24 weeks
Anxiety
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Depression
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Catastrophization
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Fear of movement
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Social isolation
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Stress
Brief Psychosocial Questions (0-10), higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study startMay 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMay 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionNov 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (12)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Chronic 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
- Model description
- This study will be a randomized, sham-controlled trial with concealed allocation, participant and assessor blinding, and analysis conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after randomization. Immediately post intervention, participants will be asked if they received the sham or active intervention, as a means to confirm the blinding. The possible answers will be: 'sham', 'active treatment' or 'I don't know'. The James Blinding Index (JBI) and Cohen's kappa (k) will be used to statistically assess the success of blinding.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centro Universitário Augusto Motta
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576062
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CFT_SHAM_SURG
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 3 May 2026
- Last updated
- 8 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Avila L, da Silva MD, Neves ML, Abreu AR, Fiuza CR, Fukusawa L, de Sa Ferreira A, Meziat-Filho N. Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Core Exercises and Manual Therapy in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain After Spinal Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Ther. 2024 Jan 1;104(1):pzad105. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzad105.
PubMed 37548608de Lira MR, de Mello Meziat-Filho NA, Silva GZM, Chaves TC. Efficacy of the cognitive functional therapy (CFT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial. Trials. 2022 Jul 4;23(1):544. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06466-8.
PubMed 35788240de Lira MR, Meziat-Filho N, Zuelli Martins Silva G, Castro J, Fernandez J, Guirro RRJ, Berg R, Chaves TC. Efficacy of cognitive functional therapy for pain intensity and disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomised sham-controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 18;59(13):912-920. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109012.
PubMed 40049758Garcia AN, Costa LDCM, Hancock MJ, Souza FS, Gomes GVFO, Almeida MO, Costa LOP. McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was slightly more effective than placebo for pain, but not for disability, in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised placebo controlled trial with short and longer term follow-up. Br J Sports Med. 2018 May;52(9):594-600. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097327. Epub 2017 Jul 12.
PubMed 28701365Hancock M, Smith A, O'Sullivan P, Schutze R, Caneiro JP, Laird R, O'Sullivan K, Hartvigsen J, Campbell A, Wareham D, Chang R, Kent P. Cognitive functional therapy with or without movement sensor biofeedback versus usual care for chronic, disabling low back pain (RESTORE): 3-year follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2025 Nov;7(11):e789-e798. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(25)00135-3. Epub 2025 Aug 6.
PubMed 40780241O'Keeffe M, O'Sullivan P, Purtill H, Bargary N, O'Sullivan K. Cognitive functional therapy compared with a group-based exercise and education intervention for chronic low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT). Br J Sports Med. 2020 Jul;54(13):782-789. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100780. Epub 2019 Oct 19.
PubMed 31630089O'Sullivan P, Caneiro JP, O'Keeffe M, O'Sullivan K. Unraveling the Complexity of Low Back Pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Nov;46(11):932-937. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.0609.
PubMed 27802794Thiveos L, Kent P, Pocovi NC, O'Sullivan P, Hancock MJ. Cognitive Functional Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2024 Dec 6;104(12):pzae128. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae128.
PubMed 39236249Tomazoni SS, Costa LDCM, Guimaraes LS, Araujo AC, Nascimento DP, Medeiros FC, Avanzi MA, Costa LOP. Effects of photobiomodulation therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2017 Oct 24;7(10):e017202. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017202.
PubMed 29070637Treede RD, Rief W, Barke A, Aziz Q, Bennett MI, Benoliel R, Cohen M, Evers S, Finnerup NB, First MB, Giamberardino MA, Kaasa S, Korwisi B, Kosek E, Lavand'homme P, Nicholas M, Perrot S, Scholz J, Schug S, Smith BH, Svensson P, Vlaeyen JWS, Wang SJ. Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: the IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Pain. 2019 Jan;160(1):19-27. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001384.
PubMed 30586067Zhang J, Jiang N, Xu H, Wu Y, Cheng S, Liang B. Efficacy of cognitive functional therapy in patients with low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2024 Mar;151:104679. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104679. Epub 2023 Dec 28.
PubMed 38219428Devonshire JJ, Wewege MA, Hansford HJ, Odemis HA, Wand BM, Jones MD, McAuley JH. Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy for Reducing Pain and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 May;53(5):244-285. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11447.
PubMed 36812100
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of Cognitive Functional Therapy in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain After Spinal Surgery: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576062
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CFT_SHAM_SURG
- Keywords
- Cognitive Functional Therapy, Spinal Surgery, Low-intensity light therapy, Placebo, Pain management, back pain, chronic pain, low back pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centro Universitário Augusto MottaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.
- Study start
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Nov 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2026 (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.
Chronic low back pain after spinal surgery is a complex and disabling condition influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a promising intervention targeting these multidimensional aspects. This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of CFT versus a sham intervention (detuned photobiomodulation) in participants with chronic low back pain after spinal surgery.
Detailed description
Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a multidimensional intervention based on the biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain. The intervention comprises three main components: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. The trial will be conducted at a private outpatient clinic located in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 90 participants of both sexes with chronic low back pain after spinal surgery will be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: (I) the CFT group (n = 45) and (II) the sham group (n = 45). Participants will attend one session per week for a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be disability, measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study will be a randomized, sham-controlled trial with concealed allocation, participant and assessor blinding, and analysis conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after randomization. Immediately post intervention, participants will be asked if they received the sham or active intervention, as a means to confirm the blinding. The possible answers will be: 'sham', 'active treatment' or 'I don't know'. The James Blinding Index (JBI) and Cohen's kappa (k) will be used to statistically assess the success of blinding.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) | Experimental | Behavioral: CFTParticipants allocated to this group will receive Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), a physiotherapy-led intervention targeting pain-related behaviors, beliefs, and functional limitations. The program includes individualized sessions focusing on making sense of pain, exposure with control, and lifestyle changes. Sessions will be delivered weekly over a period of up to 12 weeks. The physiotherapist--researcher has completed more than 80 hours of training, including in--person and online courses, supervisions and interactive case discussions with feedback by physical therapists with more than 10 years of clinical experience using CFT in Brazil. |
| Sham Detuned Photobiomodulation | Sham comparator | Device: Sham Detuned PhotobiomodulationParticipants allocated to this group will receive sham photobiomodulation combined with neutral talking. The intervention is designed to control for non-specific effects such as therapist attention and interaction, without delivering an active intervention. Sessions will be conducted weekly over the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 18-75 years
- Chronic low back pain ≥12 weeks
- History of lumbar surgery ≥3 months
- Pain intensity ≥3 (NPRS)
- ODI ≥14%
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Serious spinal pathology
- Neurological disorders
- Radiculopathy
- Pregnancy
- Unstable cardiac conditions
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 |
|---|---|---|
| CFTParticipants will receive up to eight sessions of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), each lasting 50 minutes, delivered once per week over a maximum of 12 weeks; the first session will last 60 minutes. Weekly reminders will be provided to enhance adherence. All participants will receive an educational booklet addressing chronic pain, maladaptive beliefs, and unhelpful pain-related behaviors. The intervention includes individualized strategies aimed at improving pain understanding, reducing protective behaviors, promoting functional movement, and supporting lifestyle changes. The program also incorporates strategies for autonomous management of symptom exacerbations. The fidelity of the CFT intervention will be monitored through recorded sessions throughout the clinical trial. Recordings will be made for every seven participants allocated to the CFT group. Three researchers with expertise in the CFT will watch the recorded videos and provide feedback to the treating physiotherapist. | Behavioural | Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) |
| Sham Detuned PhotobiomodulationA detuned photobiomodulation device (infrared DMC 904 nm, non-visible beam) will be used, delivering no therapeutic dose (0 J). Applications will be performed at standardized points in the lumbar region, including central points over the spinous processes and bilateral paravertebral regions, without active energy delivery. Each session will last 27 minutes, totaling eight sessions per participant. Additionally, participants will receive at least 15 minutes of neutral talking, in which maladaptive beliefs will not be challenged. The therapist will maintain an empathetic and engaging posture while encouraging discussion of neutral topics (e.g., hobbies, sports, current events), without providing advice or problem-solving. Pain-related or emotional discussions will be gently redirected. Weekly reminders will be provided to enhance adherence. All participants will receive an educational booklet addressing chronic pain, maladaptive beliefs, and unhelpful pain-related behaviors. | Device | Sham Detuned Photobiomodulation |
Primary outcome
Disability on ODI
Time frame: 12 weeks
Disability due to low back pain (LBP), assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100) at post-treatment (12 weeks), will be the primary outcome measure. The ODI was originally developed by Fairbank et al. (1980) and consists of 10 items, each with six response options. The version adapted and validated for Brazilian Portuguese was proposed by Vigatto et al. (2007). The total score will be calculated by summing the items, with a maximum score of 50 points, which is subsequently converted into a percentage (0 to 100), with higher scores indicating greater functional disability.
9 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity (NPRS)
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Sleep Disturbance
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Disability on ODI
Time frame: 24 weeks
Anxiety
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Depression
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Catastrophization
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Fear of movement
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Social isolation
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Stress
Time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37548608Avila L, da Silva MD, Neves ML, Abreu AR, Fiuza CR, Fukusawa L, de Sa Ferreira A, Meziat-Filho N. Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Core Exercises and Manual Therapy in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain After Spinal Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Ther. 2024 Jan 1;104(1):pzad105. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzad105.
- Background: PubMed 35788240de Lira MR, de Mello Meziat-Filho NA, Silva GZM, Chaves TC. Efficacy of the cognitive functional therapy (CFT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial. Trials. 2022 Jul 4;23(1):544. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06466-8.
- Background: PubMed 40049758de Lira MR, Meziat-Filho N, Zuelli Martins Silva G, Castro J, Fernandez J, Guirro RRJ, Berg R, Chaves TC. Efficacy of cognitive functional therapy for pain intensity and disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomised sham-controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 18;59(13):912-920. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109012.
- Background: PubMed 28701365Garcia AN, Costa LDCM, Hancock MJ, Souza FS, Gomes GVFO, Almeida MO, Costa LOP. McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was slightly more effective than placebo for pain, but not for disability, in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised placebo controlled trial with short and longer term follow-up. Br J Sports Med. 2018 May;52(9):594-600. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097327. Epub 2017 Jul 12.
- Background: PubMed 40780241Hancock M, Smith A, O'Sullivan P, Schutze R, Caneiro JP, Laird R, O'Sullivan K, Hartvigsen J, Campbell A, Wareham D, Chang R, Kent P. Cognitive functional therapy with or without movement sensor biofeedback versus usual care for chronic, disabling low back pain (RESTORE): 3-year follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2025 Nov;7(11):e789-e798. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(25)00135-3. Epub 2025 Aug 6.
- Background: PubMed 31630089O'Keeffe M, O'Sullivan P, Purtill H, Bargary N, O'Sullivan K. Cognitive functional therapy compared with a group-based exercise and education intervention for chronic low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT). Br J Sports Med. 2020 Jul;54(13):782-789. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100780. Epub 2019 Oct 19.
- Background: PubMed 27802794O'Sullivan P, Caneiro JP, O'Keeffe M, O'Sullivan K. Unraveling the Complexity of Low Back Pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Nov;46(11):932-937. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.0609.
- Background: PubMed 39236249Thiveos L, Kent P, Pocovi NC, O'Sullivan P, Hancock MJ. Cognitive Functional Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2024 Dec 6;104(12):pzae128. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae128.
- Background: PubMed 29070637Tomazoni SS, Costa LDCM, Guimaraes LS, Araujo AC, Nascimento DP, Medeiros FC, Avanzi MA, Costa LOP. Effects of photobiomodulation therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2017 Oct 24;7(10):e017202. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017202.
- Background: PubMed 30586067Treede RD, Rief W, Barke A, Aziz Q, Bennett MI, Benoliel R, Cohen M, Evers S, Finnerup NB, First MB, Giamberardino MA, Kaasa S, Korwisi B, Kosek E, Lavand'homme P, Nicholas M, Perrot S, Scholz J, Schug S, Smith BH, Svensson P, Vlaeyen JWS, Wang SJ. Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: the IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Pain. 2019 Jan;160(1):19-27. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001384.
- Background: PubMed 38219428Zhang J, Jiang N, Xu H, Wu Y, Cheng S, Liang B. Efficacy of cognitive functional therapy in patients with low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2024 Mar;151:104679. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104679. Epub 2023 Dec 28.
- Background: PubMed 36812100Devonshire JJ, Wewege MA, Hansford HJ, Odemis HA, Wand BM, Jones MD, McAuley JH. Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy for Reducing Pain and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 May;53(5):244-285. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11447.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing CFT in people with Chronic Low Back Pain and After Lumbar Spine Surgery, run by Centro Universitário Augusto Motta.
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 5 inclusion and 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Thátira Camilo, PhD student (+5528999696872, thatirabalestrero@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Disability on ODI (time frame: 12 weeks). 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 NCT07576062, which also lists 12 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 8 May 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.