Expressive Art Therapy for Elder Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT ID: NCT07141082

Last Updated: 2025-09-08

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

2025-08-02

Study Completion Date

2027-12-01

Brief Summary

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This research project aims to assess the feasibility of expressive art therapy for elderly adults with chronic low back pain and to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of combining art therapy with exercise intervention. Additionally, the study will investigate facilitators and barriers to participation.

A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative semi-structured focus group discussions. The questionnaire will examine physical, functional, and psychological changes potentially influenced by art therapy, while the focus groups will provide in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perceptions of the combined intervention.

Detailed Description

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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide, significantly impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a new approach that combines supervised group expressive art therapy with exercise for elderly individuals suffering from CLBP.

The primary goal is to assess participant recruitment, retention, and adherence to intervention. The investigators will also identify any logistical challenges that may arise during the process. To gather preliminary data on the intervention's effectiveness, the investigators will measure changes in pain intensity, functional ability, psychological flexibility, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

In addition to quantitative measures, the investigators will conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain deeper insights into the participants' experiences. This will help to identify factors that facilitate or hinder their engagement with the program.

By incorporating expressive art therapy-an approach that encourages emotional expression and coping strategies-this study aims to provide a holistic method for managing pain. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for older adults affected by CLBP. If successful, this pilot RCT will offer valuable insights that could inform a larger, definitive RCT, paving the way for innovative, interdisciplinary strategies in chronic pain management and improving health outcomes in the community.

Conditions

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Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Eligible participants will be randomized using cluster randomization, allocating them into two groups: the expressive art therapy plus exercises group or the exercise-only group. 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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Experimental: Expressive art therapy

One hour of expressive art therapy followed by exercise session.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Control Group: Exercise

The control group will be a one-hour session that includes progressive back strengthening and general reconditioning exercises, complemented by education on back care to support self-management of low back pain.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Art therapy combined with Exercise

Intervention Type OTHER

The intervention program consists of one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. Art therapy sessions 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 encouraging them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute mindfulness exercise designed to center participants and promote relaxation, preparing them for the creative activities ahead. The core of each session features a 20-minute art-making process focused on specific themes that guide participants in exploring their pain and personal narratives.

Interventions

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Art therapy combined with Exercise

The intervention program consists of one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. Art therapy sessions 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 encouraging them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute mindfulness exercise designed to center participants and promote relaxation, preparing them for the creative activities ahead. The core of each session features a 20-minute art-making process focused on 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 60 years and above
* 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
* MoCA-5 of 18 or above

Exclusion Criteria

* malignant pain
* 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

60 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

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Fadi 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 MQ Al Zoubi, PhD

Role: backup

Other Identifiers

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1-WZBS

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

HSEARS20250416004-01

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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