An interventional study of high-power laser acupuncture and the exercise program and sham laser acupuncture and the exercises program in Chronic Nonspecific Low-back Pain, sponsored by Cairo University. Completed at 1 site in Egypt. Open to participants aged 20 Years to 40 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-09.
Sponsored by Cairo University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
To investigate the effect of high-intensity laser acupuncture on fatigue, proprioception, back pain and Pain self-efficacy in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a persistent back pain that affects people of all ages and significantly impacts individuals' functional activities. Fatigue and impaired proprioception are common complaints associated with CNSLBP, contributing to diminished physical performance and exacerbation of symptoms. While various treatment modalities exist, there is ongoing interest in exploring novel approaches to manage this condition effectively.Laser photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a noninvasive that stimulates cells, pain receptors, and the immune system and can cause analgesic effects. Recently, high-power lasers have been used for managing musculoskeletal dysfunction that allows for more energy deposition in deep tissues, resulting in both biological and thermal effects. High-power laser acupuncture (HPLA) has emerged as a promising intervention that combines the therapeutic effects of high-power laser therapy and the principles of acupuncture point stimulation on the body (acupoints) to induce physiological effect. However, there is limited evidence supporting this combined approach. For that, this study aims to investigate the effect of HPLA on fatigue, proprioception back pain and Pain self-efficacy in patients with CNSLBP. With this current randomized controlled trial, we seek to provide evidence-based insights into the potential effects of this combined approach on measurements of fatigue, proprioception, back pain and Pain self-efficacy.
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1. The patients had CNSLBP with age from 20 to 40 years from both genders.
2. Patients diagnosis with chronic low back pain without underlying pathological causes.
3. The patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain more than 3months. Minimum pain intensity of 30 mm on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, which ranges from 0 to 100 mm.
4. Patients with BMI ranges between 18.5:29.9 kg/m2.
5. The study populations must be willing to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
The patients will receive high-power laser acupuncture and the exercise program three times a week for 4 weeks.
Device: high-power laser acupuncture and the exercise program
The patients will receive sham acupuncture laser and the exercise program three times a week for four weeks.
Device: sham laser acupuncture and the exercises program
The experimental group will receive high-power lasers, and the treatment will be performed at 15 acupuncture points: unilateral GV3, GV4, and GV5, and bilateral BL 20, BL23, BL24, BL25, BL40, and GB30. Exercises program: The patients will perform this exercise program in the form of: strengthening exercises for abdominal and back muscles; lumbar stabilization exercises; and stretching exercises
Also known as: high-intensity laser acupuncture
The patients will receive a sham laser acupuncture and the exercise program in the form of: strengthening exercises for abdominal and back muscles; lumbar stabilization exercises and stretching exercises.
Also known as: sham laser acupuncture
fatigue
Isokinetic dynamometer will be used for measuring fatigue of back muscles.
Time frame: up to six weeks
fatigue
The Biering-Sørensen test will be used for measuring fatigue of back muscles
Time frame: up to six weeks
proprioception
Isokinetic dynamometer will be used for assessing lumber proprioception
Time frame: up to six weeks
Pain Intensity
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) will be used by the patient to mark his/her level of pain on a 0 to 100 millimeter line. Zero usually represents 'no pain at all,' whereas the upper limit represents 'the worst pain ever possible.' Higher scores represent worse pain intensity, and lower scores represent less pain.
Time frame: up to six weeks
Pain-Related Self-Efficacy
The Arabic version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-A) will be used to assess patients ' confidence in managing pain and performing daily activities. Higher scores reflect greater self-efficacy, indicating stronger confidence in coping with pain.
Time frame: up to six weeks
This study is completed, as verified in Jul 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Cairo University