Evaluating Gokhale Method Posture Therapy Versus Standard Physical Therapy for Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain and Digital Usability Assessment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of the Gokhale Method posture therapy with standard physical therapy PT for managing chronic low back pain in adults aged 18 to 65. The study also evaluates how well participants use and stick to the onlinedigital Gokhale Method Foundation Class delivered through a smartphone app. Participants are recruited from Stanford clinics and community advertisements, and those eligible will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. One group will receive 18 coaching sessions of the Gokhale Elements course over 6 to 12 weeks, with 1 to 2 sessions per week delivered online. These participants will also use the Gokhale PostureTracker, a wearable sensor placed on the lumbar area that provides real-time posture feedback through a smartphone app. The other group will receive a standardized physical therapy program over 6 to 12 weeks, also with 1 to 2 weekly sessions including posture education, therapeutic exercises, and a home exercise plan. Participants complete questionnaires on pain, disability, and function before starting and after completing their intervention, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Outcomes measured include pain ratings, disability scores, and quality of life assessments. Researchers also monitor patient satisfaction, adherence, complications, adverse events, and use of pain medications including opioids. Data collected by the sensor and questionnaires are securely stored and accessed only by the research team.

Randomized Trial for cLBP (Gokhale Project)