Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Versus Generalized Exercise for Reducing Pain in Surgeons With Chronic Spinal Pain
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Chronic Spinal Pain
In brief
Surgeons frequently experience chronic spinal pain due to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during surgical procedures. Exercise therapy is recommended, but it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective for this population. This randomized clinical trial will compare Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as the McKenzie Method, with a structured program of generalized exercise in surgeons with chronic spinal pain who demonstrate a directional preference (i.e., movement in a specific direction that reduces symptoms). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two interventions and followed for 26 weeks. The primary outcome is spinal pain intensity at 12 weeks measured on a 0-10 scale. Secondary outcomes include function, quality of life, and psychological factors. This pragmatic trial is conducted in outpatient physiotherapy settings and aims to determine whether an individualized exercise approach (MDT) is more effective than generalized exercise in this occupational group.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07293130
- Run by
- Claus Kjærgaard
- People needed
- 62
- Starts
- 2026-03-30
- Expected to finish
- 2027-12-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-03-20
Who can join
Age: 25 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Age 25-70 years
- Currently working as a resident, fellow, or attending surgeon
- Chronic spinal pain (low back, thoracic, or neck) lasting more than 3 months
- Demonstrated directional preference on standardized clinical examination (i.e., movement in a specific direction reduces symptoms)
- Sufficient proficiency in Danish to complete trial questionnaires
- Willing and able to attend treatment sessions at designated physiotherapy clinics
- Provide written informed consent
You may not qualify if…
- Serious spinal pathology (e.g., fracture, malignancy, infection, inflammatory disease)
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Significant neurological deficits requiring urgent medical attention
- Any diagnosed medical condition preventing safe participation in physical activity
- Sick leave longer than 6 months at baseline
- Pregnancy or having given birth within the past 3 months
- Scheduled for major surgery within the next 3 months
- Current participation in structured physiotherapy or spinal interventions outside the trial protocol
Where it is running
- Aalborg University Hospital — Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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