A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Use of Supervised Group Art Therapy Among Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Participant Experiences

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the use of expressive art therapy combined with exercise to help older adults who suffer from chronic low back pain (CLBP). This pilot randomized controlled trial focuses on assessing the feasibility of this combined approach, including participant recruitment, retention, and adherence. The study also aims to understand any challenges in participation and to gather preliminary data on how this therapy may affect pain, function, psychological health, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will take part in one-hour supervised group expressive art therapy sessions followed by one-hour exercise training. Art therapy sessions include mindfulness exercises and creative art-making focused on personal pain and coping. The control group will attend one-hour sessions of progressive back and general reconditioning exercises, combined with education on back care for self-management of their pain. Throughout the 8-week study, participants will have weekly assessments to track recruitment, retention, adherence, satisfaction, perceived burden, willingness to continue, and safety. Data collection will also occur three months after the intervention. The study includes questionnaires and focus groups to gather detailed feedback on participant experiences and changes in pain intensity, function, psychological flexibility, and overall health-related quality of life. This comprehensive monitoring will help evaluate the potential benefits and feasibility of this combined therapy approach.

Expressive Art Therapy for Elder Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain