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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

NCT07293130 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 62

Last updated 2026-03-20

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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.

Conditions

  • Chronic Spinal Pain

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)

A classification-based physiotherapy intervention in which exercises are prescribed based on the individual's directional preference identified during assessment. Treatment includes repeated movements and/or sustained positions, supported by education and advice to promote self-management. Delivered by physiotherapists trained in MDT.

BEHAVIORAL

Generalized Exercise

A structured exercise program including strengthening, stretching, and endurance training, adapted to the individual's symptoms and capacity. The intervention does not target directional preference and reflects usual physiotherapy care for chronic spinal pain. Delivered by physiotherapists experienced in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Aalborg University

    collaborator OTHER

  • Claus Kjærgaard

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Claus Kjærgaard, M.Sc. Health Science · Aalborg University Hospital

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
25 Years
Max Age
70 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-03-30
Primary Completion
2027-09-30
Completion
2027-12-31

Countries

  • Denmark

Study Locations

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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 NCT07293130 on ClinicalTrials.gov