Cognitive Muscular Therapy for Low Back Pain

Last updated: November 28, 2023
Sponsor: University of Salford
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Pain

Chronic Pain

Treatment

Cognitive Muscular Therapy for low back pain

Clinical Study ID

NCT05611476
CMT-LBP-6581
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The primary aim of this study is to adapt Cognitive Muscular Therapy so that it can be used to manage chronic low back pain. A secondary aim is to understand the potential therapeutic benefit of this intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Above 18 years old
  2. Speak and understand English sufficient to read the information sheet and sign theconsent form
  3. Ability to walk without an assistive device for at least 100m (to ensure patients havesufficient mobility to be able to complete the intervention)
  4. Low back pain for at least three months' duration
  5. Currently scoring 4 or more on the Roland disability scale

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Dementia or other major cognitive impairment
  2. Red flags (specific causes of LBP, such as acute disc prolapse with radicular pain, orother serious pathology)
  3. Pregnancy
  4. History of serious spinal injury (fractures, spinal cord injury)
  5. BMI >33 (as EMG measurement is not possible in people with higher BMI)
  6. Acute low back pain (Onset less than 3 months)
  7. Any systemic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  8. Any balance disorders which may increase the risk of a fall

Study Design

Total Participants: 15
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Cognitive Muscular Therapy for low back pain
Phase:
Study Start date:
December 08, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
August 01, 2023

Study Description

There is evidence that people with chronic low back pain (LBP) demonstrate muscle overactivity during functional tasks when compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, this increased activity of the low back and trun, muscles has been associated with increased sensitivity to pain. It has also been shown that people with chronic LBP exhibit alterations in functional movement patterns and postures when compared to healthy people. Such alterations may be a direct result of increased stiffness in the spine which results from muscle overactivity. Psychosocial physiotherapy techniques for LBP are gaining widescale acceptance. However, these approaches are often combined with strengthening exercises, and not specifically aimed at reducing muscle overactivity. Therefore, there is a need for research into interventions for chronic LBP which integrate psychologically informed practice with training to reduce muscle overactivity.

The investigators have developed a new treatment for people with knee osteoarthritis, known as Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT). CMT is a form of psychologically informed physiotherapy which uses biofeedback training to reduce muscle overactivity and therefore lower the mechanical stress on the knee. CMT is delivered through five sequential intervention components and teaches patients to think and respond differently to pain, to improve postural control and to perform functional movements, such as walking, with less muscle tension. See the dedicated website for further details (https://hub.salford.ac.uk/cognitive-muscular-therapy/). Given the strong focus on postural control, the investigators are confident that CMT can be adapted and used to treat other chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such as LBP. In this project, the investigators will map changes to the five CMT intervention components. The intervention will then be delivered to patients with chronic low back pain, after which the investigators will seek to understand participant perceptions of the new treatment.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Salford

    Manchester, Greater Manchester M6 6PU
    United Kingdom

    Site Not Available

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