Comparing Physical Therapy and Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Patients Aged 50 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy compared to surgical decompression in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis LSS. The study aims to determine whether structured physical therapy can be a non-surgical alternative to surgery for patients whose symptoms suggest surgery is needed. This randomized controlled multicenter trial tests the hypothesis that there is no difference in efficacy between these two treatments for LSS. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving standard decompression surgery, and the other undergoing a physical therapy program. The physical therapy treatment lasts three months and includes home activities guided by a defined program along with 4 to 6 visits to a physical therapy center. The study compares these interventions to see which better improves patients conditions. During the trial, researchers will assess participants improvements using the Oswestry Disability Index and various pain and walking capacity measures at multiple time points, including 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment. They will also monitor quality of life and the number of patients who switch from physical therapy to surgery. The total participation time covers these follow-up assessments to evaluate the lasting effects of the treatments.

Physical Therapy vs Surgical Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis