Actively Recruiting
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Use of Supervised Group Art Therapy Among Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain: Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Participant Experiences
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-08-26
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and disabling condition affecting many adults, impacting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. This pilot randomized controlled trial explores the feasibility and potential benefits of a new approach combining supervised group art therapy with exercise for adults living with CLBP. Researchers aim to assess recruitment, retention, adherence, and logistical challenges while gathering early data on improvements in pain, disability, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will attend one-hour sessions of expressive art therapy led by a registered art therapist, followed by one hour of exercise training focused on mindfulness, creative expression, and pain exploration. The control group will receive one hour of progressive back and general conditioning exercises with education on back care to support self-management. These sessions will take place weekly over eight weeks. Throughout the study, participants will complete various assessments including pain intensity, functional disability, psychological measures, and health-related quality of life at baseline, post-intervention, and three months follow-up. Researchers will also gather feedback on satisfaction, burden, and willingness to continue via weekly questionnaires. Safety and adverse events will be monitored weekly, and qualitative interviews will explore participants' experiences to identify factors that help or hinder engagement. The total study duration includes post-intervention follow-up assessments to evaluate feasibility and preliminary effectiveness.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Art Therapy for Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18 years to 59 years old
- Currently experiencing non-specific low back pain for at least three months
- Have sought medical treatment for chronic low back pain
- Can read and write in Traditional Chinese
You will not qualify if you...
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Confirmed dementia
- Severe cognitive impairment
- Serious major medical or psychiatric disorders
- Currently receiving physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological treatments
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 receive either supervised group art therapy combined with exercise or exercise alone to manage chronic low back pain.
Weekly visits for up to 8 weeks
Duration - 3 months post intervention
Participants are followed for additional assessments to evaluate the lasting effects of the intervention.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 0000
Actively Recruiting
2
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fadi MQ Al Zoubi, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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