Biopsychosocial Factors and Muscle Morphology After a Resistance Exercise

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Low Back Pain, Chronic

• Registration Number: NCT07203430
• Lead Sponsor: University of Central Florida

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a four-week dynamic resistance training program using the 45-degree Roman chair on pain sensitivity changes after exercise and lumbar muscle performance in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). This study will consist of three specific aims. Aim 1 examines changes in local exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Aim 2 will assess changes in lumbar multifidus and erector spinae thickness using ultrasound imaging before and after the intervention. Aim 3 will evaluate changes in lumbar extensor strength (handheld dynamometry (HHD)) and endurance (Biering-Sørensen test).

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-22
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-29
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-29
• Study First Posted: 2025-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-10-02
• Study Start: 2025-10-20
• Primary Completion: 2026-10-20
• Study Completion: 2026-10-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 22

Inclusion Criteria

• chronic low back pain lasting ≥ 12 weeks
• current pain intensity ≥ 3/10 but no higher than an 8/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) within the past 48 hours
• resistance trained (defined as 2x/week for the past 8-12 weeks)
• able to read and speak English for informed consent and completion of questionnaires
• willing and physically able to complete all testing and intervention sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of spinal surgery, fusion, or fracture within the past 6 months
• diagnosed degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal pathology that precludes safe exercise participation
• use of an assistive device for walking (cane, walker) within the past year
• pregnancy, due to contraindications for exercise testing and ultrasound -body weight ≥ 300 lbs., which exceeds the safe capacity of the Roman chair --
• current tobacco/nicotine use
• current enrollment in physical therapy or structured rehabilitation for LBP,
• cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or systemic disease that increases risk during exercise
• nociplastic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia) or neurological conditions that confound EIH responses
• inability to complete ≥ 8 Roman chair repetitions with proper form during screening
• non-English speaking

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia	Weeks 1 and 4	Participants will perform one set of back extension exercise on a 45-degree Roman chair until volitional exhaustion. Pressure Pain Threshold applied over the low back will be examined before and after exercise.
Muscle Thickness	Weeks 1 and 4	Ultrasound imaging to assess muscle thickness of the erector spinae and the multifidus muscles will be completed.
Muscle Strength	Weeks 1 and 4	Back extensor strength will be assessed using maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the back extensor muscles using a handheld dynamometer.
Muscle Endurance	Weeks 1 and 4	The Biering-Sorensen test will be performed in which participants lie prone on a treatment table with the lower body secured to the table. Participants will be instructed to cross their arms over their chest and maintain their torso in a horizontal position with the upper body unsupported, parallel to the floor.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Central Florida; 🇺🇸 Orlando, Florida, United States