Non-specific Chronic Low Back PainNCT07905222

Effects of Dead Bug Exercises With and Without Diaphragmatic Breathing in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

A study testing Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing and Dead Bug Exercises Only in people with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts

Official record

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Trial summary

Who is it for?: Ages 18 to 50 years
Conditions the study is for: Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain
What is being tested?: Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing and Dead Bug Exercises Only
Could I receive a placebo?: No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people: 34 participants
Where: 1 sitePakistan
Study dates: 23 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
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 50 years
All sexes
No healthy volunteers
Adult

Who may be able to join

NSCLBP patients aged ≥ 18 to 50 years old. Both males and females are included. Mild to moderate back pain with NPRS pain score value of between 4/10 - 6/10. Pain from at least past three months (12 weeks). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) score indicating mild to moderate disability Pain localized between lower costal margins and the inferior gluteal folds

Who cannot join

Patients underwent any abdominal and/or thoracic surgery Pregnancy Visceral disease-related low back pain (e.g. Kidney stones pain, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease ) Severe neurological deficit or symptoms including nerve compression. Ex. Cauda equina syndrome) Radiculopathy below knee No recent therapy or intervention.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Pakistan1 site

UMT
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Dead Bug Exercises With and Without Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pain, Core Stability and Kinesiophobia in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

This study outlines a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) evaluating whether combining diaphragmatic breathing with Dead Bug exercises provides superior benefits compared to Dead Bug exercises alone for individuals suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial will randomly assign 34 participants (aged 18-50 with mild-to-moderate back pain lasting at least 3 months) into two 6-week intervention groups (3 sessions per week) to measure and compare changes in pain intensity via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), core stability using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and the Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST), fear of movement via the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and functional disability through the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).

Conditions: Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Being tested: Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing, Dead Bug Exercises Only
Keywords: dead bug exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, kinesiophobia, core stability
Medical subject headings: Kinesiophobia

What participants receive

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

Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic BreathingOther
will perform a 6-week progressive Dead Bug exercise program combined with diaphragmatic breathing-practiced 5 sets of 10 repetitions per session starting in a semi-Fowler's position and advancing to functional movements like walking and stairs. The exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side)
Dead Bug Exercises OnlyOther
The exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side).

Study groups in NCT07905222
Study group	Role	What they receive
Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing	Experimental	Participants will first perform diaphragmatic breathing in a supine position, focusing on slow nasal inhalation with abdominal expansion and controlled exhalation through mouth. After completing the breathing exercise, they will perform dead bug exercises while maintaining appropriate trunk control and a neutral lumbar spine. This intervention aims to facilitate breathing control and core muscle coordination. Receives: Other: Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing
Dead Bug Exercises Only	Active comparator	Participants will perform dead bug exercises in a supine position with hips and knees flexed. They will alternately move their arms and legs while maintaining a neutral lumbar spine and stable trunk. The exercises aim to improve core stability, lumbopelvic control, and coordination. Receives: Other: Dead Bug Exercises Only

What is being measured

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

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain (disabling, unable to perform)
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
The Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI)
It assesses disability associated with low back pain using 10 sections, each scored from 0-5, with the total converted into a percentage. Scores of 0-20% indicate minimal disability, 21-40% moderate disability, 41-60% severe disability, 61-80% crippling disability, and 81-100% bed-bound or exaggerating symptoms.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11)
It assesses fear of movement and reinjury using 11 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale, producing a total score of 11-44, with higher scores indicating greater kinesiophobia.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST) using Pressure Biofeedback Unit
Core stability is assessed across six progressive testing positions while recording pressure readings in mmHg. The commonly cited baseline is 40 mmHg (acceptable range 36-44 mmHg).
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

Timeline

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

23 Oct 202631 Dec 2026

First posted29 Oct 2026
Study start23 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
Other trials for Non-specific 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: evaluating whether combining diaphragmatic breathing with Dead Bug exercises provides superior benefits compared to Dead Bug exercises alone for individuals suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial will randomly assign 34 participants (aged 18-50 with mild-to-moderate back pain lasting at least 3 months) into two 6-week intervention groups (3 sessions per week) to measure and compare changes in pain intensity via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), core stability using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and the Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST), fear of movement via the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and functional disability through the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).
Masking: Single blind
Who is masked: Outcomes assessor
Enrolment: 34 participants (estimated)

IDs, dates and publications

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07905222
Sponsor's protocol ID: RE-163-2026
Status last verified: Oct 2026
First submitted: 22 Oct 2026
Last updated: 29 Oct 2026
Results posted: No
Data monitoring committee: Yes
FDA-regulated drug: No
FDA-regulated device: No
Individual data sharing: Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.

Interested in taking part?

The sponsor has not listed a contact. The official record may have more details.

Talk to your doctor first and take this page with you. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

Questions to ask the study team

What is the study trying to find out?
What would I need to do, and how often would I visit?
Could I receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
What are the possible risks and benefits for me?
Will it cost me anything? Are travel or time paid for?
Can I keep seeing my own doctor during the study?
What happens when the study ends?

See sites and contacts

Not yet recruiting
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Enrolling by invitation
Effects of 3-dimensional Versus Dynamic Myofascial Release Techniques With Lumbar Mobilization and Exercise Therapy Program in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Myofascial Release
Active, not recruiting
Integrated Feldenkrais Method With and Without DNS for Chronic Low Back Pain in Females
Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
Not yet recruiting
McGill Stabilization Exercises Versus Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Hybrid mHealth for Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)

All Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain trials

Study at a glance

From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.

Official title: Effects of Dead Bug Exercises With and Without Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pain, Core Stability and Kinesiophobia in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07905222
Acronym / sponsor ID: RE-163-2026
Conditions: Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Keywords: dead bug exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, kinesiophobia, core stability
Study type: Interventional
Recruitment status: Not yet recruiting
Enrolment: 34 participants (estimated)
Lead sponsor: University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
Study start: 23 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Primary completion: 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Study completion: 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
First posted: 29 Oct 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.

Study design

Primary purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomised
Intervention model: Parallel groups
Masking: Single blind (outcomes assessor)
Number of arms: 2
Model description: evaluating whether combining diaphragmatic breathing with Dead Bug exercises provides superior benefits compared to Dead Bug exercises alone for individuals suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial will randomly assign 34 participants (aged 18-50 with mild-to-moderate back pain lasting at least 3 months) into two 6-week intervention groups (3 sessions per week) to measure and compare changes in pain intensity via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), core stability using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and the Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST), fear of movement via the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and functional disability through the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).

Arm	Type	Receives
Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing	Experimental	Other: Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic BreathingParticipants will first perform diaphragmatic breathing in a supine position, focusing on slow nasal inhalation with abdominal expansion and controlled exhalation through mouth. After completing the breathing exercise, they will perform dead bug exercises while maintaining appropriate trunk control and a neutral lumbar spine. This intervention aims to facilitate breathing control and core muscle coordination.
Dead Bug Exercises Only	Active comparator	Other: Dead Bug Exercises OnlyParticipants will perform dead bug exercises in a supine position with hips and knees flexed. They will alternately move their arms and legs while maintaining a neutral lumbar spine and stable trunk. The exercises aim to improve core stability, lumbopelvic control, and coordination.

Who may qualify

Ages: 18 to 50 years
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: Not accepted
Age groups: Adult

Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)

NSCLBP patients aged ≥ 18 to 50 years old. Both males and females are included. Mild to moderate back pain with NPRS pain score value of between 4/10 - 6/10. Pain from at least past three months (12 weeks). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) score indicating mild to moderate disability Pain localized between lower costal margins and the inferior gluteal folds

Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)

Patients underwent any abdominal and/or thoracic surgery Pregnancy Visceral disease-related low back pain (e.g. Kidney stones pain, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease ) Severe neurological deficit or symptoms including nerve compression. Ex. Cauda equina syndrome) Radiculopathy below knee No recent therapy or intervention.

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
Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathingwill perform a 6-week progressive Dead Bug exercise program combined with diaphragmatic breathing-practiced 5 sets of 10 repetitions per session starting in a semi-Fowler's position and advancing to functional movements like walking and stairs. The exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side)	Other	Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing
Dead Bug Exercises OnlyThe exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side).	Other	Dead Bug Exercises Only

Primary outcome

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain (disabling, unable to perform)
The Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
It assesses disability associated with low back pain using 10 sections, each scored from 0-5, with the total converted into a percentage. Scores of 0-20% indicate minimal disability, 21-40% moderate disability, 41-60% severe disability, 61-80% crippling disability, and 81-100% bed-bound or exaggerating symptoms.
The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
It assesses fear of movement and reinjury using 11 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale, producing a total score of 11-44, with higher scores indicating greater kinesiophobia.
Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST) using Pressure Biofeedback Unit
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Core stability is assessed across six progressive testing positions while recording pressure readings in mmHg. The commonly cited baseline is 40 mmHg (acceptable range 36-44 mmHg).

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 29 Oct 2026.
Aquatic and Kinetic Chain Exercises for Rehabilitation of Chronic Non-specific Low Back PainLink provided by the sponsor.
Effectiveness of Core Stability and Diaphragmatic Breathing V/S Core Stability Alone on Pain and Function in Mechanical Non-Specific Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomised Control TrialLink provided by the sponsor.
Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.

Related trials for Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Not yet recruiting
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Enrolling by invitation
Effects of 3-dimensional Versus Dynamic Myofascial Release Techniques With Lumbar Mobilization and Exercise Therapy Program in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Myofascial Release
Active, not recruiting
Integrated Feldenkrais Method With and Without DNS for Chronic Low Back Pain in Females
Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
Not yet recruiting
McGill Stabilization Exercises Versus Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Hybrid mHealth for Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)

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.

The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.

1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

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 29 Oct 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?

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?

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?

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks). The study lists 4 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 NCT07905222.

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 29 Oct 2026.