Device-Based vs Manual Sensory Training in Low Back Pain
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Low Back Pain
In brief
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and affects a large proportion of working-age individuals. Cortical reorganization in CLBP, particularly within the sensorimotor cortex, has been shown to negatively influence sensory acuity and motor control. The neuroplasticity underlying this reorganization may enhance the effectiveness of sensorimotor retraining therapies that involve specific stimulus features targeting somatosensory cortical regions. This randomized controlled trial will include three groups: a device-assisted sensory acuity training group, a manual sensory acuity training group, and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. In this study, device-assisted sensory acuity training will be delivered using a standardized vibrotactile interface that presents controlled stimuli and records participant responses. The intervention will be structured to target sensory acuity components similar to those addressed in manual training. Accordingly, the structured training protocol will include: * localization training to improve detection of stimulus location, * orientation discrimination to identify stimulus direction, * temporal acuity training to distinguish timing differences between tactile stimuli and * graphesthesia training to improve recognition of shapes or letters drawn on the skin through tactile input. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate sensory acuity in individuals with CLBP and to determine the effects of a structured manual and technology-based sensory acuity training program, combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain intensity (VAS), lumbar two-point discrimination, and a composite sensory acuity score. We hypothesize that adding manual and technology-based structured sensory acuity training (SAT) program to a conventional physiotherapy regimen including motor control exercises will support central nervous system reorganization, improve sensory profiles, and lead to improvements in pain-related variables, disability, and quality of life. Through this structured SAT program, we aim to provide an approach that evaluates and trains multiple dimensions of sensory acuity in CLBP, including localization, orientation, and temporal discrimination.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07277803
- Run by
- Medipol University
- People needed
- 66
- Starts
- 2026-08-15
- Expected to finish
- 2027-12-15
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-05-13
Who can join
Age: 25 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Age between 25-45 years
- No spinal fracture or acute disc herniation
- Pain duration ≥ 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥ 4/10
- Central Sensitization Scale (CSI) score ≥ 40
- No current psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment
- No contraindications to exercise
You may not qualify if…
- Serious spinal pathologies (lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumor, infection, metastasis, osteoporotic fracture, severe structural deformities, inflammatory arthritis)
- Conditions with radicular involvement or neurological deficits (sciatica, nerve root compression)
- Systemic or neurological diseases (diabetes mellitus, neuromuscular diseases, serious central or peripheral nervous system diseases, epilepsy)
- Mental disorders
- Pregnancy
- Lower extremity injuries
- Spinal surgery within the last three years
- Chronic generalized pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
- Individuals receiving other treatment for non-specific chronic low back pain during the study period.
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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