An interventional study of Exercises for lower back and Exercises and Physical Activity Program in Chronic Low Back Pain, sponsored by Al-Azhar University. Recruiting at 1 site in Palestinian Territories. Open to participants aged 55 Years to 70 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-22.
Sponsored by Al-Azhar University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study evaluated the effects of a combined physical activity and structured exercise program on disability and mental health in elderly individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain is highly prevalent among older adults and is often associated not only with functional limitations and disability but also with psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality. Addressing both physical and mental health aspects is essential to improve overall well-being and quality of life in this population.
Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. The Exercise + Physical Activity Program Group received a structured exercise regimen specifically designed to improve core strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. In addition to the exercise sessions, participants were provided with a tailored physical activity program aimed at promoting daily movement, reducing sedentary behavior, and enhancing functional capacity in their everyday life.
The Exercise-Only Group followed the same structured exercise regimen but did not receive the additional physical activity component, allowing for comparison of the effects of exercise alone versus combined interventions.
The Control Group continued with usual care, which included standard advice for managing low back pain but no structured exercise or physical activity intervention, serving as a baseline to evaluate the effectiveness of the other interventions.
Outcomes were assessed in terms of disability levels, measured using validated scales, as well as mental health parameters, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Post-intervention results indicated that participants in the combined exercise and physical activity group experienced the most significant improvements in functional ability, as reflected by reduced disability scores. This group also showed the largest reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression and improvements in sleep quality. The exercise-only group demonstrated moderate improvements, highlighting the benefits of structured exercise alone, while the control group showed minimal changes in either physical function or mental health outcomes.
Measurements will be taken pre , post (8 weeks of PT interventions) and 8 weeks follow up
These findings emphasize the added value of integrating general physical activity into structured exercise programs. Incorporating daily movement and functional activity beyond formal exercise sessions appears to enhance both physical and psychological outcomes in elderly individuals with chronic low back pain. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults, combining targeted exercise with strategies to increase overall daily activity levels.
Exclusion Criteria:
Exercise and Physical Activity Program for Elderly with Chronic Low Back Pain 1. Physiotherapy Modalities (Preparation): Hot Pack Therapy: Applied to the lumbar region for 10-15 minutes before exercises to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Interferential Therapy (IFT): Applied to the lower back for 10-15 minutes to decrease pain and improve circulation. 2. Exercise Program (30-40 minutes per session, 3 times/week): A. Lumbar Stabilization Exercises B. Core Strengthening Exercises:
Other: Exercises for lower back
Other: Exercises and Physical Activity Program
control group (advices)
Other: Advices
1. Physiotherapy Modalities (Preparation): Hot Pack Therapy: Applied to the lumbar region for 10-15 minutes before exercises to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Interferential Therapy (IFT): Applied to the lower back for 10-15 minutes to decrease pain and improve circulation. 2. Exercise Program (30-40 minutes per session, 3 times/week): A. Lumbar Stabilization Exercises: B. Core Strengthening Exercises:
1. Frequency \& Duration: Frequency: 3 days per week Duration: 30 to 40minutes per session Intensity: Low to moderate (RPE 11-13 on Borg scale; "light to somewhat hard") 2. Warm-Up (5 minutes): Gentle walking on treadmill at slow speed (1.5-2.5 km/h) Light dynamic stretches for lower back, hips, and legs 3. Main Activity A. Treadmill Walking: Speed: Comfortable pace for walking without pain Incline: Start flat, increase slightly (1-2%) if tolerated Goal: Promote cardiovascular endurance and safe weight-bearing activity B. Stationary Bicycle: Duration: 10-15 minutes Resistance: Low to moderate (enough to feel effort but no pain) 4. Cool-Down (5 minutes): Slow treadmill walking or easy pedaling on the bike Gentle stretches: hamstrings, hip flexors, lumbar rotation 5. Progression: based on patient tolerance Gradually in
Advices
mental health
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a reliable and widely used instrument for assessing psychological distress in clinical and community populations. The HADS consists of 14 items, with 7 items measuring anxiety (HADS-A) and 7 measuring depression (HADS-D). Each item is scored from 0 to 3, resulting in subscale scores ranging from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. The HADS is particularly suitable for elderly populations because it focuses on psychological symptoms rather than somatic complaints that could overlap with chronic physical conditions. In this study, changes in HADS scores provided insight into the impact of the interventions on mental health, helping to determine whether combining physical activity with structured exercises could alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with chronic low back pain.
Time frame: pre, 8 weeks post physiotherapy sessions and 8 weeks follow up
Disability
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Functional disability related to chronic low back pain was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated questionnaire that assesses the impact of back pain on daily activities and overall functional ability. The ODI includes 10 sections covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, traveling, and employment/homemaking. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, with the total score expressed as a percentage, where higher percentages indicate greater disability. The ODI is widely recognized as a gold standard for evaluating the severity of functional impairment in individuals with low back pain. In the present study, reductions in ODI scores following the interventions were used to quantify improvements in participants' physical function and independence, reflecting the effectiveness of both the structured exercise program and the additional physical activity regimen.
Time frame: pre, 8 weeks of physiotherapy session's and 8 weeks follow up
Sleep quality
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a widely validated self-report questionnaire designed to measure sleep disturbances and overall sleep quality over the past month. The PSQI evaluates seven components: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction. Each component is scored from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality, and the global score ranges from 0 to 21. In this study, the PSQI was used to examine changes in sleep patterns and disturbances in elderly participants with chronic low back pain. Improvements in sleep quality were expected to reflect the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing pain-related sleep disruptions and enhancing overall mental and physical well-being.
Time frame: pre Physiotherapy interventions, 8 weeks post and 8 follow up
Plan to share: No
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