Chronic Low-back Pain
Conditions
Brief summary
This observational study aims to compare measures of sensory nerve function between chronic low back pain patients matched for baseline pain and disability levels who are then classified as responders or non-responders after completing a 12-week tailored exercise program. Measures collected include sural sensory nerve conduction, quantitative sensory testing for pressure and heat pain thresholds, and psychosocial questionnaires. It is hypothesized that baseline sensory nerve dysfunction may be associated with reduced response to exercise therapy in chronic low back pain.
Detailed description
While exercise is commonly prescribed for chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), patient responses are variable. Differences in baseline sensory nerve function could plausibly contribute to exercise therapy outcomes. This cross-sectional quantitative observational study will investigate if baseline sensory nerve conduction amplitudes and quantitative sensory testing (QST) pain thresholds differ between matched NSLBP patients later categorized as responders or non-responders to a 12-week standardized exercise regime. A sample of 50 NSLBP participants with matched baseline pain and disability will undergo a tailored 12-week exercise intervention and 6-month follow-up. Blinded assessors will perform post-intervention sensory nerve conduction and QST measures. It is hypothesized that exercise therapy responders will show greater improvements in sensory thresholds correlating with pain relief. Results aim to elucidate neural factors associated with long-term exercise therapy outcomes in chronic low back pain.
Interventions
OTHER12-Week Tailored Exercise Intervention
12-week individually tailored exercise therapy program based on patient presentation. Supervised physiotherapy plus home exercise
Sponsors
Ahram Canadian University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults ages 20-60 years * Nonspecific chronic low back pain \>3 months * Baseline pain ≥6/10 and disability ≥40%
Exclusion criteria
* Radicular leg pain * Prior lumbar surgery * Serious spinal pathology
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sural Sensory Nerve Conduction Amplitude | Baseline | Baseline antidromic sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude (measured in microvolts) assessed through nerve conduction study. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial Peroneal Sensory Nerve Conduction Amplitude | Baseline | Baseline superficial peroneal sensory nerve action potential amplitude (measured in microvolts) assessed through nerve conduction study. |
| Pressure Pain Threshold | Baseline | Pressure pain threshold (measured in kg/cm2) assessed using a pressure algometer at the lower back. |
| Heat Pain Threshold | Baseline | Heat pain threshold (measured in °C) assessed using a thermode applied to the calf. |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
Primary ContactMohamed M ElMeligie, Ph.d
Outcome results
None listed