Effect of an Aquatic Exercise Program in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Last updated: June 26, 2025
Sponsor: Concordia University, Montreal
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Weight Loss

Sarcopenia

Chronic Pain

Treatment

Standard Care

Aquatic Therapy

Clinical Study ID

NCT05823857
CCER-21-22-35
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of aquatic therapy versus standard care on paraspinal and gluteal morphology and function in individuals with chronic low back pain.The main questions it aims to answer are:

  1. What are the effects of aquatic therapy versus standard care on a) paraspinal and gluteal muscle size, composition (e.g., fatty infiltration) and b) lumbar and gluteal muscle strength in individuals with chronic LBP?

  2. Is aquatic therapy more effective than standard care to improve pain, function and psychological factors (e.g., kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression)?

  3. Is using a digital application "play the pain" feasible to monitor pain levels and the activities that participants used to cope with pain?

Participants will be assigned to either the aquatic therapy group or standard care group where they will undergo a 10-week intervention including two 60-minute session per week.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. chronic nonspecific LBP (>3 months), defined as pain in the region between the lowerribs and gluteal folds, with or without leg pain

  2. currently seeking care for LBP

  3. aged between 18 and 65 years old

  4. English or French speakers

  5. have a score of "moderate" or "severe" disability on the modified Oswestry Low BackQuestionnaire

  6. do not currently engaged in sports or fitness training specifically for the lowerback muscles (3 months prior the beginning of the trial).

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. evidence of nerve root compression or reflex motor signs deficits

  2. previous spinal surgery or vertebral fractures

  3. other major lumbar spine structural abnormalities

  4. comorbid health conditions that would prevent active participation in exerciseprograms

Study Design

Total Participants: 34
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Standard Care
Phase:
Study Start date:
November 01, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
December 18, 2023

Connect with a study center

  • PERFORM Centre

    Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6
    Canada

    Site Not Available

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