Effect of a Gamified Home-Based Core Neuromuscular Training on Pain, Disability, and Core Endurance in Women With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
| Registry | NCT07890363 |
|---|---|
| Status | Not yet recruiting |
| Phase | Not applicable |
| Study type | Interventional; randomized, parallel, masking: single, treatment |
| Enrollment | 60 (Estimated) |
| Sponsor | Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (Other) |
| Conditions | Low Back Pain, Low Back Pain and Core Muscle |
| Interventions | Gamified Intervention Group: core neuromuscular exercise program using a digital application with gamification features, Non-Gamified Control Group (Other) |
| Dates | start 2026-11-01 (estimated), primary completion 2027-02-20 (estimated), completion 2027-02-28 (estimated), first posted 2026-10-22, last updated 2026-10-22 |
Related Papers Related Patents Related Grants Related Experts
All trials for Low Back Pain All trials for Low Back Pain and Core Muscle All trials of Gamified Intervention Group: core neuromuscular exercise program using a digital application with gamification features All trials of Non-Gamified Control Group
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of gamified home-based core neuromuscular training on pain intensity, functional disability, core muscular endurance, and exercise adherence in women with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a gamified intervention group or a non-gamified control group. Both groups will perform the same progressive core exercise program. The intervention group will use a digital application with gamification features, while the control group will perform the exercises without gamification. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6. The study will determine whether gamification provides additional benefits over conventional home-based exercise in improving clinical outcomes and exercise adherence in women with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Chronic nonspecific low back pain is associated with persistent pain and functional disability. Although home-based core exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation, maintaining exercise adherence can be challenging. Gamification may enhance motivation and engagement through interactive digital features.
This randomized controlled trial will recruit women aged 18-45 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting at least 12 weeks and a baseline moderate pain intensity or more. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to a gamified intervention group or a non-gamified control group. Both groups will complete the same progressive home-based core exercise program for six weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 20-30 minutes. Exercises will include plank, side plank, foot-elevated side plank, dead bug, and bird dog. The intervention group will use a digital app, while the control group will perform the exercises without gamification.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index, core muscular endurance using trunk flexor, trunk extensor, and side-bridge tests, and adherence as the percentage of completed sessions. The study aims to recruit 60 participants. Data will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to compare changes between groups over time. Ethical approval will be obtained before recruitment, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.
| Arm | Type | Interventions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Gamified Intervention Group | Experimental | Other: Gamified Intervention Group: core neuromuscular exercise program using a digital application with gamification features | a six-week home-based core neuromuscular exercise program using a digital application with gamification features. |
| Arm 2: Non-Gamified Control Group | Active comparator | Other: Non-Gamified Control Group | Participants will perform the same six-week home-based core neuromuscular exercise program without gamification, with three sessions per week, each lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. |
Sex: Female, ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18-45 years. * Nonspecific low back pain persisting for at least 12 weeks. * Baseline pain intensity of ≥3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). * Ability to perform the prescribed core exercises safely. * Ownership of a compatible smartphone. * Internet access when required. Exclusion Criteria: * Specific spinal pathology or serious medical conditions. * Previous spinal surgery. * Neurological symptoms affecting the lower limbs. * Pregnancy. * Severe musculoskeletal conditions limiting exercise. * Current participation in another low back pain rehabilitation program. * Any contraindication to exercise.