Actively Recruiting
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Plus Exercise for Older People With Chronic Low-back Pain: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-10-08
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Plus Exercise for Older People With Chronic Low-back Pain: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 60 years or older
- Have non-specific low back pain near the lumbosacral spine lasting at least 3 months in the past year
- Average pain intensity of 4 or higher in the past week on a 0 to 10 scale
- Have sought healthcare professional treatment for chronic low back pain within the last 12 months
- Adequate proficiency in Chinese
- Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score of 23 or above
You will not qualify if you...
- Malignant pain or lumbar spinal stenosis
- Diagnosed dementia or severe cognitive impairment
- Serious psychiatric or psychological disorders that may affect participation
- Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score below 23
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants attend an 8-week program involving Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plus back exercise or back care education plus exercise.
Weekly group sessions lasting 1.5 hours
Duration - 6 months
Participants are followed up to assess changes in pain, disability, psychological flexibility, and quality of life.
3 follow-up visits at immediately post-treatment, 3 months, and 6 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dr Arnold Wong Yu Lok
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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