Actively Recruiting
The Impacts of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-08-21
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the impact of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) on cognitive functions, particularly executive functions, in older adults aged 60 to 85 years. The study aims to understand the brain mechanisms connecting CNSLBP with cognitive decline by comparing pain intensity, executive functions, brain structure, and brain function between older adults with CNSLBP and healthy age-matched controls. This longitudinal study seeks to provide insights into how CNSLBP may affect brain changes and executive function over time. Participants include older adults with CNSLBP lasting at least 3 months and experiencing moderate pain, as well as healthy controls without CNSLBP in the past 36 months. No interventions are assigned as this is an observational study. The study uses brain imaging and cognitive tests at baseline and after 6 months to observe changes and relationships between pain, brain structure, and cognition. During the study, participants undergo assessments of pain intensity, brain imaging, and various cognitive and physical tests at the start and six months later. These include tests for depression, anxiety, stress, disability, cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibition, sleep quality, frailty, balance, and mobility. Data collection partly uses electronic communication. The total participation duration covers baseline and 6-month follow-up visits to track changes over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Impacts of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 60 to 85 years
- Older adults with or without chronic non-specific low back pain
- Normal cognitive function (Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment score 26 26)
- Right-handed
- Cantonese speaking
- At least 6 years of formal education and able to read and write Chinese
- Able to communicate via email or text message
- Willing to sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to walk without assistance from another person (canes or walkers allowed)
- Specific causes of low back pain such as spinal stenosis or lumbar disc herniation
- Other musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia or pain in neck/knee
- History of lumbar or lower extremity surgery
- History of neurological or psychiatric disorders or cancer
- Specific inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Unexplained weight loss of 20 lbs or more in the past year
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Uncorrected vision problems
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Taken alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines within 24 hours before testing
- Claustrophobia
- Contraindications for MRI examination based on safety screening form
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 - 1 day
Participants undergo baseline assessments including pain intensity, brain imaging, cognitive tests, and other health evaluations.
1 baseline visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants are observed over 6 months with follow-up assessments to monitor changes in pain, brain imaging, cognitive functions, and other health measures.
1 follow-up visit at 6 months (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Frank F Huang, MD
C
Chun Liang HSU, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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