NCT07282925

Comparative Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy With Kinetic Control Training on Non-specific Low Back Pain

Effects of Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Kinetic Control Training on Pain, Disability, Movement Control in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 70 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years – 39 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with Kinetic Control Training (KCT) in participants with non-specific low back pain. The study wants to see which approach helps lower pain, reduce disability and improve movement control. The main questions it aims to answer is * Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain intensity, disability and movement control in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain? * Is there difference between Cognitive Functional Therapy and Kinetic control training on pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy in participants with Non Specific Low Back Pain? Researcher will compare the both CFT and KCT group to see if one treatment is superior to other in treating participants with non-specific back pain. Participants will * Attend treatment sessions based on the group they are placed in. * Take session three times each week for eight weeks. * They will be asked short questions about their pain, daily activity, and movement throughout the study.

Detailed description

Low back pain (LBP) has the highest prevalence globally among musculoskeletal disorders, affecting around 619 million people in 2020. It is projected that the number of cases will skyrocket to 843 million by 2050. LBP is defined as the localized pain below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds. It is commonly categorized as specific and non-specific low back pain. Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) accounts for nearly 90% of all cases. NSLBP is multifactorial and mostly new cases recover within a short time but the condition frequently recurs and may become persistent. An extensive review regarding the management of LBP has stated that exercise plays a fundamental role in treating patients with NSLBP. However, the results regarding the appropriate type of exercise are the subject of controversy. Over the past decades, researchers have advised a variety of exercises. However, despite applying various treatment approaches, conservative treatment for NSLBP yields small effect sizes. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is developed by Peter O'Sullivan, to address the multidimensional nature of non-specific low back pain. The CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Rather than adopting a one size fits all approach, CFT provides clinicians with the opportunity to explore the multidimensional nature of NSLBP. Kinetic Control Training (KCT) developed by Comerford, is a clinical framework focused on the assessment and correction of uncontrolled movement. KCT utilizes a three-stage retraining process: (1) cognitive facilitation of correct muscle activation; (2) integration into low-load, non-provocative tasks; and (3) progression to complex, functional movements under load and fatigue. Despite the promising evidence supporting both CFT and KCT, a clear comparative study of their effectiveness in addressing NSLBP is lacking. Most existing studies have focused on one technique or compared it with general exercise. This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating and comparing these two approaches.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain
• Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Cognitive Functional Therapy	Patients will receive 24 sessions over a period of 8 weeks. Each session will be of 1 hour 15 minutes. Standard Physical Therapy will be provided in which patient will receive Hot pack with TENS and perform a set of exercises including Curl up, Bird dog and side bridge back exercises for 5 repetitions. Then Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) will be applied from day one. CFT is structured into three phases: (1) making sense of pain, (2) exposure with control, and (3) lifestyle changes. Making Sense of Pain : This component reflects the cognitive aspect of Cognitive Functional Therapy. It involves hearing patient's personal narrative about their chronic pain. Exposure with Control: It involves graded exposure to feared movements and functional tasks. Lifestyle Changes: This component focuses on lifestyle factors that contribute to pain and disability. It involves modifying sedentary lifestyle behaviors and encouraging healthy routine.
OTHER	Kinetic Control Training	Patients will receive 24 sessions. In each session, Standard Physical Therapy will be applied which will be the same in both groups. In Kinetic Control Training (KCT), patients will first undergo direction specific movement control tests. These tests will identify direction-specific movement faults (e.g., flexion, extension, rotation control deficits) that contribute to symptoms. Based on these tests, individualized retraining will be provided to the patients. This retraining will improve control of specific muscles which will help reduce pain and improve disability.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-15
• Primary completion: 2026-05-25
• Completion: 2026-07-20
• First posted: 2025-12-15
• Last updated: 2026-04-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan