Art Therapy for Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT ID: NCT07141069

Last Updated: 2025-08-26

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

30 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-16

Study Completion Date

2027-12-01

Brief Summary

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This project aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a supervised group-based art intervention for adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Detailed Description

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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects millions globally, profoundly impacting individuals' physical, psychological, and social well-being. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore the feasibility and potential efficacy of a novel intervention that combines supervised group art therapy with exercise for adults suffering from CLBP.

The primary objective of this study is to assess participant recruitment, retention, and adherence while identifying any logistical challenges encountered during the implementation of the intervention. The investigators will gather preliminary data on its effectiveness by measuring changes in pain intensity, functional disability, psychological flexibility, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

In addition to quantitative measures, the investigators will conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups to explore participants' lived experiences, identifying facilitators and barriers to engagement. By integrating art therapy-an approach that promotes emotional expression and coping strategies-this study seeks to provide a holistic method for pain management, ultimately enhancing the HRQoL of individuals affected by CLBP.

The successful implementation of this pilot RCT may yield critical insights that can inform a larger-scale definitive RCT, paving the way for innovative, interdisciplinary strategies in chronic pain management and improving community health outcomes. This research not only aims to validate a new therapeutic approach but also aspires to create a supportive environment for individuals grappling with the challenges of CLBP.

Conditions

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Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Eligible participants will be randomized using computer-generated numbers placed in sealed, opaque envelopes, allocating them into two groups: the expressive art therapy plus exercises group or the exercise-only group on a 1:1 basis. A research assistant not involved in the study will manage allocation. Randomization will stratify participants based on sex and functional level to ensure balanced representation in both groups.
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Investigators Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Expressive art therapy group

One hour of expressive art intervention, followed by exercise training.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Art therapy combined with Exercise

Intervention Type OTHER

one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. The art therapy 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 inviting them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute brief mindfulness exercise to help center participants and promote relaxation, setting the stage for the creative activities that follow. The core of each session consists of a 20-minute art-making process centered around specific themes that guide participants in exploring their pain and personal narratives.

Exercise group

The control group will participate in one hour of exercises focused on progressive back strengthening and general reconditioning, supplemented with education on back care to promote self-management of low back pain

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Exercise

Intervention Type OTHER

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.

Interventions

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Art therapy combined with Exercise

one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. The art therapy 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 inviting them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute brief mindfulness exercise to help center participants and promote relaxation, setting the stage for the creative activities that follow. The core of each session consists of a 20-minute art-making process centered around specific themes that guide participants in exploring their pain and personal narratives.

Intervention Type 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.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* aged 18 years to 59 years old
* currently experiencing non-specific low back pain for at least three months
* who have sought medical treatment for CLBP
* can read and write in Traditional Chinese

Exclusion Criteria

* lumbar spinal stenosis
* confirmed dementia
* severe cognitive impairment
* serious major medical or psychiatric disorders
* currently receiving physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological treatments
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

59 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Prof. Fadi AL ZOUBI

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Fadi MQ Al Zoubi, PhD

Role: CONTACT

852-2766-6705

Facility Contacts

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Fadi MQ Al Zoubi, PhD

Role: primary

852 2766 6705

Fadi Al Zoubi, PhD

Role: primary

852-2766-6705

Other Identifiers

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1-WZBS

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

HSEARS20250416004

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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