Study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Combined With Exercise to Help Older Adults Manage Chronic Low-back Pain

What this Trial Is About

Chronic low back pain CLBP is a common and challenging condition affecting older adults aged 60 and above, often worsening their physical and psychological well-being. This research evaluates the combination of acceptance and commitment therapy ACT, a mindfulness-based treatment, with exercise to improve pain management and quality of life for older people with CLBP. The study builds on a previous pilot trial that showed promising results in reducing pain intensity and disability. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups an 8-week program combining ACT and back exercise, or an 8-week back care education plus exercise program. Each ACT session includes one hour of therapy led by a trained counsellor followed by 30 minutes of exercise. The control group attends a one-hour interactive back care education lesson plus a 30-minute exercise class. Both groups receive treatments weekly over the 8 weeks. Throughout the study, researchers will assess changes in pain intensity, pain-related disability, psychological flexibility, health-related quality of life, psychological factors, and risk of falling. These measurements occur at the start, immediately after treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The study aims to validate earlier findings and explore how psychological flexibility may mediate improvements. Participation involves attending treatment sessions and completing evaluations over several months.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Plus Exercise for Older People With Chronic Low-back Pain: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial