Unspecific chronic low back pain Musculoskeletal Diseases Low back pain
Conditions
Interventions
The ability to voluntarily activate the deep trunk muscles can be visualised reliably and accurately in the clinical environment using real-time functional ultrasound (M-mode). This will serve as the
Sponsors
Swiss National Science Foundation (Switzerland)
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Between 18 and 65 years old 2. Average pain intensity over the last two weeks more than or equal to three and less than or equal to eight on the zero to ten Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 3. Recurrent or continual episodes of Low Back Pain (LBP) with or without referred pain (of a non-radicular nature) for at least three months, serious enough to cause absence from work or solicitation of medical attention 4. Ability and willingness to travel independently to the Unversity Hospital Zurich (UniversitätsSpital Zürich) (USZ) for assessment 5. Fluency in the German or English languages (spoken and reading comprehension) 6. Willingness to comply with the study protocol
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. General: a. constant or persistent severe pain b. non-mechanical LBP c. pregnancy 2. Neural tissue involvement: a. current nerve root entrapment accompanied by neurological deficit b. spinal cord compression c. tumours d. other corresponding disorders (suspicion of these upon initial clinical examination [red flags] will require confirmation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI]; otherwise no MRI will be carried out) 3. Disorders of the spine: a. severe instability (spondylolisthesis grade three or higher) b. severe osteoporosis (height loss of more than 4 cm since the age of 20) c. severe structural deformity (rigid scoliosis in clinical examination, flexion movements) d. systemic inflammatory disease (if any of these are suspected, based on the clinical examination, X-ray and other specialised imaging will be carried out; otherwise no X-ray imaging will be done) e. previous spinal fusion or failed surgery 4. Other diseases which contraindicate exercise training: a. severe cardiovascular diseases (New York Heart Association [NYHA] III and IV) b. decompensated metabolic diseases c. any other corresponding disorders preventing active rehabilitation d. acute infection e. recent (in the last three months) major operation f. lack of co-operation g. uncontrolled alcohol or drug abuse h. decompensated psychopathological diseases
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Changes in TDI values | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| No secondary outcome measures | — |
Countries
Switzerland
Outcome results
None listed