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Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in Chronic Low Back Pain: Effects on Muscle Architecture, Balance, and Satisfaction (VR-LBPREHAB)

NCT07172828 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 48

Last updated 2025-09-15

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. It is often related to changes in trunk muscle function, thoracolumbar fascia morphology, and impaired balance control. Although conventional motor control exercises are effective, patient motivation and adherence can be limited. Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation offers interactive and engaging environments that may improve compliance and provide additional therapeutic benefits.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of VR-based rehabilitation compared with conventional motor control exercises in individuals with chronic low back pain. A total of 40-50 participants aged 18-65 will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) VR-based rehabilitation or (2) conventional exercise therapy. Both programs will last 8 weeks, delivered three times per week for 40 minutes per session.

The primary outcomes include muscle architecture assessed by ultrasound imaging, thoracolumbar fascia morphology, and postural balance control measured by force platform tests. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

The findings of this study are expected to provide new insights into the role of VR in rehabilitation and contribute to evidence-based strategies for managing chronic low back pain. By exploring the effects on both physical and patient-reported outcomes, the study may highlight innovative approaches to improve adherence, reduce pain, and enhance daily function in affected individuals.

Conditions

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation

Participants receive 20 minutes of motor control exercises combined with 20 minutes of Pilates-inspired virtual reality games (5 repetitions per set). Training will be delivered three times per week, 40 minutes per session, for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Motor Control Exercises

Participants perform 40 minutes of progressive spinal stabilization and motor control exercises (10 repetitions per set), three times per week for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Hacettepe University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Özlem Ülger, PT, PhD · Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

  • Abdurahim Aslıyüce, Research Assistant, MSc, PT · Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-10-13
Primary Completion
2026-10-13
Completion
2026-12-25

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07172828 on ClinicalTrials.gov