NCT07141082

Expressive Art Therapy for Elder Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Use of Supervised Group Art Therapy Among Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Participant Experiences

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This research project aims to assess the feasibility of expressive art therapy for elderly adults with chronic low back pain and to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of combining art therapy with exercise intervention. Additionally, the study will investigate facilitators and barriers to participation. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative semi-structured focus group discussions. The questionnaire will examine physical, functional, and psychological changes potentially influenced by art therapy, while the focus groups will provide in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perceptions of the combined intervention.

Detailed description

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide, significantly impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a new approach that combines supervised group expressive art therapy with exercise for elderly individuals suffering from CLBP. The primary goal is to assess participant recruitment, retention, and adherence to intervention. The investigators will also identify any logistical challenges that may arise during the process. To gather preliminary data on the intervention's effectiveness, the investigators will measure changes in pain intensity, functional ability, psychological flexibility, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In addition to quantitative measures, the investigators will conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain deeper insights into the participants' experiences. This will help to identify factors that facilitate or hinder their engagement with the program. By incorporating expressive art therapy-an approach that encourages emotional expression and coping strategies-this study aims to provide a holistic method for managing pain. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for older adults affected by CLBP. If successful, this pilot RCT will offer valuable insights that could inform a larger, definitive RCT, paving the way for innovative, interdisciplinary strategies in chronic pain management and improving health outcomes in the community.

Conditions

• Chronic Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Art therapy combined with Exercise	The intervention program consists of one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. Art therapy sessions will be conducted in small groups of eight participants, facilitated by a part-time registered expressive art therapist. Each session begins with a 5-minute introduction and check-in, welcoming participants and encouraging them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute mindfulness exercise designed to center participants and promote relaxation, preparing them for the creative activities ahead. The core of each session features a 20-minute art-making process focused on specific themes that guide participants in exploring their pain and personal narratives.
OTHER	Exercise	each one-hour session in the exercise control group will involve progressive back and general reconditioning exercises, along with back care education to support self-management of LBP.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-02
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2027-12-01
• First posted: 2025-08-26
• Last updated: 2025-09-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong