Motor Imagery Training in Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Launched by ISTANBUL BILGI UNIVERSITY · Feb 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people with chronic low back pain, which is a common issue affecting many individuals. The main focus is on combining traditional exercise therapy with something called motor imagery training, where participants will mentally visualize movements without actually performing them. The goal is to see if this combination can reduce pain and improve physical and emotional well-being for those suffering from persistent low back pain.

To take part in this study, participants must be between 18 and 55 years old, have experienced low back pain for at least three months, and have a pain score of 4 or higher out of 10. They also need to be comfortable using a computer or smartphone for virtual sessions. Participants will receive exercise therapy from a physiotherapist and, if assigned to the intervention group, will practice motor imagery training daily for eight weeks. The study will assess their progress before treatment, at the end of the eight weeks, and again 12 weeks later, focusing on their pain levels, physical function, and emotional health. This research could provide valuable insights into new ways to manage low back pain effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Being between 18 and 55 years old
• • Having a history of low back pain persisting for at least three months
• • Experiencing recurrent episodes of low back pain
• • Having a low back pain intensity score of 4 or higher on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) out of 10 during both rest and activity
• • Having the ability to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone at a level sufficient to participate in assessments and treatment sessions via videoconference, or having a caregiver who can assist with this
• • Volunteering to participate in the study
• • Being able to read and understand Turkish
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A history of spinal surgery
• • Having traumatic low back injuries
• • Presence of severe comorbidities (neurological, neuromuscular, cardiological, psychiatric)
• • Presence of tumoral conditions
• • Having visual or hearing impairments
• • Presence of cognitive impairments
• • Receiving physiotherapy for low back pain within the last six months
• • Changes in pain medication within the last two months
• • Receiving additional treatments beyond routine care
• • Being pregnant