Chronic Nonspecific Low Back PainSENSOR-LBPNCT07677189
Sensorimotor Balance Training for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
A study testing Sensorimotor Balance Training and Standard Physiotherapy in people with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain, run by Najran University at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
Trial summary
Chronic nonspecific low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide. Many people with chronic low back pain experience difficulties with balance, posture, movement control, and daily activities. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 59 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Sensorimotor Balance Training and Standard Physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSaudi Arabia
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2026to 1 Mar 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 59 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 to 59 years. Diagnosis of chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting at least 3 months. Pain intensity score of 4 or greater on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m². Ability to safely participate in the exercise program and comply with study procedures.
Who cannot join
- Acute low back injury. History of spinal surgery. Neurological disorders affecting movement or balance. Musculoskeletal disorders affecting movement or balance. Professional athletes. Individuals engaged in heavy manual labor. Any medical condition that would prevent safe participation in the intervention program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Saudi Arabia1 site
Physiotherapy Clinics, Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University
Najran, Najran Region, 61441
Husam Yahya Alfaifi, PhD, +966560366600, Hyalfifi@nu.edu.sa
Husam Yahya Alfaifi, PhD
About this study
Official title: Effects of Sensorimotor Balance Training on Pain and Spinal Alignment in Adults With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chronic nonspecific low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide. Many people with chronic low back pain experience difficulties with balance, posture, movement control, and daily activities. Sensorimotor balance training is a rehabilitation approach designed to improve balance, body awareness, and neuromuscular control.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether sensorimotor balance training is more effective than standard physiotherapy in reducing pain and improving spinal alignment in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a sensorimotor balance training group or a standard physiotherapy group. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for 12 weeks.
Pain intensity, functional disability, and spinal alignment will be assessed before and after the intervention. Spinal alignment will be measured using the DIERS Formetric 4D system, a non-invasive and radiation-free technology that evaluates posture and spinal shape. The findings of this study may help identify effective rehabilitation strategies for improving pain, function, and spinal alignment in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Read the detailed description
Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. In addition to pain, individuals with CNSLBP frequently demonstrate impairments in sensorimotor control, proprioception, postural stability, and trunk muscle coordination. These impairments may contribute to persistent symptoms and functional limitations.
Sensorimotor balance training has emerged as a rehabilitation approach aimed at improving sensory integration, neuromuscular control, and dynamic postural stability. Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of sensorimotor-focused interventions on pain and functional outcomes; however, most investigations have relied primarily on self-reported measures, with limited assessment of objective biomechanical changes.
The DIERS Formetric 4D system provides a non-invasive, radiation-free method for evaluating spinal posture and alignment, including measures of trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt, and sagittal spinal curvature. The integration of objective spinal assessment with rehabilitation interventions may provide greater insight into the relationship between symptom improvement and structural-functional adaptations.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of sensorimotor balance training on pain intensity and spinal alignment in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The study will compare sensorimotor balance training with standard physiotherapy and examine whether improvements in pain are associated with measurable changes in spinal alignment. Findings from this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Sensorimotor Balance Training, Standard Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain, Sensorimotor Balance Training, Neuromuscular Control, Spinal Alignment, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sensorimotor Balance TrainingBehavioural
Participants will receive a structured sensorimotor balance training program designed to improve proprioception, postural stability, and neuromuscular control. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises include wobble board balance training, core activation exercises, and dynamic single-leg stance activities. Exercise difficulty will be progressively increased every two weeks according to participant performance and
Standard PhysiotherapyBehavioural
Participants will receive standard physiotherapy treatment consisting of stretching and core strengthening exercises. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. A standardized progression protocol will be followed throughout the intervention period to ensure consistency of treatment delivery across participants.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor Balance Training | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive sensorimotor balance training designed to improve proprioception, postural stability, and neuromuscular control. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks. Exercises include wobble board balance training, core activation exercises, and dynamic single-leg stance activities, with progressive increases in difficulty throughout the intervention period. Receives: Behavioral: Sensorimotor Balance Training |
| Standard Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive standard physiotherapy treatment consisting of stretching and core strengthening exercises. Treatment will be provided three times per week for 12 weeks using a standardized progression protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Standard Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a self-reported measure of pain intensity scored from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. The primary outcome will be the change in pain intensity from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Spinal Alignment Measured by DIERS Formetric 4D
Spinal alignment will be assessed using the DIERS Formetric 4D system, a non-invasive and radiation-free surface topography method. Parameters evaluated will include trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt, and sagittal spinal curvature. The outcome measure will be the change in spinal alignment parameters from baseline to the end of the intervention period.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (1)
Functional Disability Measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated questionnaire measuring the impact of low back pain on daily activities and functional performance. The outcome measure will be the change in ODI score from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Nonspecific 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
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a sensorimotor balance training group or a standard physiotherapy group. Both groups will receive their assigned intervention three times per week for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Najran University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Adel Alshahrani, Najran University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07677189
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202604-076-043471-094936
- Acronym
- SENSOR-LBP
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: A decision regarding the sharing of de-identified individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been made. The study consent form includes an option for participants to allow future use of their de-identified data for research purposes. Any future data-sharing arrangements will be considered after study completion in accordance with participant consent, ethical approvals, and institutional policies.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Sensorimotor Balance Training on Pain and Spinal Alignment in Adults With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07677189
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SENSOR-LBP / 202604-076-043471-094936
- Conditions
- Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain, Sensorimotor Balance Training, Neuromuscular Control, Spinal Alignment, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Najran UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Jun 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 nonspecific low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide. Many people with chronic low back pain experience difficulties with balance, posture, movement control, and daily activities. Sensorimotor balance training is a rehabilitation approach designed to improve balance, body awareness, and neuromuscular control.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether sensorimotor balance training is more effective than standard physiotherapy in reducing pain and improving spinal alignment in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a sensorimotor balance training group or a standard physiotherapy group. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for 12 weeks.
Pain intensity, functional disability, and spinal alignment will be assessed before and after the intervention. Spinal alignment will be measured using the DIERS Formetric 4D system, a non-invasive and radiation-free technology that evaluates posture and spinal shape. The findings of this study may help identify effective rehabilitation strategies for improving pain, function, and spinal alignment in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Detailed description
Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. In addition to pain, individuals with CNSLBP frequently demonstrate impairments in sensorimotor control, proprioception, postural stability, and trunk muscle coordination. These impairments may contribute to persistent symptoms and functional limitations.
Sensorimotor balance training has emerged as a rehabilitation approach aimed at improving sensory integration, neuromuscular control, and dynamic postural stability. Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of sensorimotor-focused interventions on pain and functional outcomes; however, most investigations have relied primarily on self-reported measures, with limited assessment of objective biomechanical changes.
The DIERS Formetric 4D system provides a non-invasive, radiation-free method for evaluating spinal posture and alignment, including measures of trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt, and sagittal spinal curvature. The integration of objective spinal assessment with rehabilitation interventions may provide greater insight into the relationship between symptom improvement and structural-functional adaptations.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of sensorimotor balance training on pain intensity and spinal alignment in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The study will compare sensorimotor balance training with standard physiotherapy and examine whether improvements in pain are associated with measurable changes in spinal alignment. Findings from this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a sensorimotor balance training group or a standard physiotherapy group. Both groups will receive their assigned intervention three times per week for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor Balance Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Sensorimotor Balance TrainingParticipants in this arm will receive sensorimotor balance training designed to improve proprioception, postural stability, and neuromuscular control. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks. Exercises include wobble board balance training, core activation exercises, and dynamic single-leg stance activities, with progressive increases in difficulty throughout the intervention period. |
| Standard Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard PhysiotherapyParticipants in this arm will receive standard physiotherapy treatment consisting of stretching and core strengthening exercises. Treatment will be provided three times per week for 12 weeks using a standardized progression protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 59 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Adults aged 18 to 59 years. Diagnosis of chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting at least 3 months. Pain intensity score of 4 or greater on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m². Ability to safely participate in the exercise program and comply with study procedures.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Acute low back injury. History of spinal surgery. Neurological disorders affecting movement or balance. Musculoskeletal disorders affecting movement or balance. Professional athletes. Individuals engaged in heavy manual labor. Any medical condition that would prevent safe participation in the intervention program.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor Balance TrainingParticipants will receive a structured sensorimotor balance training program designed to improve proprioception, postural stability, and neuromuscular control. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises include wobble board balance training, core activation exercises, and dynamic single-leg stance activities. Exercise difficulty will be progressively increased every two weeks according to participant performance and | Behavioural | Sensorimotor Balance Training |
| Standard PhysiotherapyParticipants will receive standard physiotherapy treatment consisting of stretching and core strengthening exercises. The intervention will be delivered three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. A standardized progression protocol will be followed throughout the intervention period to ensure consistency of treatment delivery across participants. | Behavioural | Standard Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a self-reported measure of pain intensity scored from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. The primary outcome will be the change in pain intensity from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Spinal Alignment Measured by DIERS Formetric 4D
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Spinal alignment will be assessed using the DIERS Formetric 4D system, a non-invasive and radiation-free surface topography method. Parameters evaluated will include trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt, and sagittal spinal curvature. The outcome measure will be the change in spinal alignment parameters from baseline to the end of the intervention period.
1 secondary outcome
Functional Disability Measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
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 30 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. A decision regarding the sharing of de-identified individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been made. The study consent form includes an option for participants to allow future use of their de-identified data for research purposes. Any future data-sharing arrangements will be considered after study completion in accordance with participant consent, ethical approvals, and institutional policies.
Related trials for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Dual-Task Core Stabilization Training in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Recruiting
A Novel Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain Using Multi Angular Isometric Lumbar Exercise: Randomized Clinical Trial.
Nonspecific Low Back Pain, Low Back Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Virtual Reality Exergames Versus Spinal Manipulation in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Chronic Nonspecific Low-back Pain, CNSLBP
Not yet recruiting
Gamified Home-Based Core Neuromuscular Training for Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Core Muscles
Not yet recruiting
Visual Feedback-Assisted Sensorimotor Training in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Chronic Low Back Pain
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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sensorimotor Balance Training and Standard Physiotherapy in people with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain, run by Najran University at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jun 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 Saudi Arabia. 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?
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 Adel Alshahrani, PhD, PT (+966 54 822 6011, amsalshahrani@nu.edu.sa), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Baseline and Week 12). 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?
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 30 Jun 2026.