NCT06921694

A Combined Exercise Programme Involving Strengthening, Flexibility and Aerobic Exercise for Lower Back Pain

A Combined Exercise Programme Involving Strengthening, Flexibility and Aerobic Exercise for Lower Back Pain: a Randomised-controlled Study

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 88 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Nottingham · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise modalities for individuals with low back pain. Participants will be allocated to one of three groups: a control arm (usual exercise), a running-based intervention, or a swimming/cycling-based intervention. Outcomes related to pain and function will be measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 months.

Detailed description

This study is designed to assess the impact of structured exercise interventions on pain and functional outcomes in otherwise healthy adults with low back pain. Eligible participants recruited from the community will be randomised into one of three arms: (1) control group, continuing their usual exercise activities; (2) running intervention group; or (3) swimming/cycling intervention group. The two intervention arms will complete an 8-week combined exercise programme consisting of aerobic training (running or swimming/cycling, depending on group assignment), progressive resistance training, and prescribed flexibility exercises. The programme is structured to gradually increase in intensity over the 8-week period to enhance adherence and minimize risk of injury. Efficacy will be evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) capturing pain intensity and functional capacity. These assessments will be administered at three time points: baseline (prior to the intervention), post-intervention (8 weeks), and long-term follow-up (12 months). This design will enable analysis of both the short-term and sustained effects of exercise modality on low back pain management.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain, Chronic

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Runner group	The intervention groups undertake 8 weeks of a combined exercise programme including aerobic elements (running), a schedule of gradually intensifying strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises
BEHAVIORAL	Swim/Cycle Group	The intervention groups undertake 8 weeks of a combined exercise programme including aerobic elements (swim/cycle), a schedule of gradually intensitfing strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-09-30
• Completion: 2026-09-30
• First posted: 2025-04-10
• Last updated: 2025-12-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom