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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07203430

Biopsychosocial Factors and Muscle Morphology After a Resistance Exercise

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a four-week dynamic resistance training program using the 45-degree Roman chair on pain sensitivity changes after exercise and lumbar muscle performance in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). This study will consist of three specific aims. Aim 1 examines changes in local exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Aim 2 will assess changes in lumbar multifidus and erector spinae thickness using ultrasound imaging before and after the intervention. Aim 3 will evaluate changes in lumbar extensor strength (handheld dynamometry (HHD)) and endurance (Biering-Sørensen test).

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Key information

Conditions

Low Back Pain, Chronic Back Pain Behavior Bronchial Diseases Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis Obliterans Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome Bronchitis Graft vs Host Disease Immune System Diseases Low Back Pain Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Motor Activity Neurologic Manifestations Organizing Pneumonia Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida, 32816, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • chronic low back pain lasting ≥ 12 weeks
  • current pain intensity ≥ 3/10 but no higher than an 8/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) within the past 48 hours
  • resistance trained (defined as 2x/week for the past 8-12 weeks)
  • able to read and speak English for informed consent and completion of questionnaires
  • willing and physically able to complete all testing and intervention sessions.

Exclusion criteria

  • History of spinal surgery, fusion, or fracture within the past 6 months
  • diagnosed degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal pathology that precludes safe exercise participation
  • use of an assistive device for walking (cane, walker) within the past year
  • pregnancy, due to contraindications for exercise testing and ultrasound -body weight ≥ 300 lbs., which exceeds the safe capacity of the Roman chair --
  • current tobacco/nicotine use
  • current enrollment in physical therapy or structured rehabilitation for LBP,
  • cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or systemic disease that increases risk during exercise
  • nociplastic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia) or neurological conditions that confound EIH responses
  • inability to complete ≥ 8 Roman chair repetitions with proper form during screening
  • non-English speaking

Treatment and study plan

45-Degree Roman Chair Exercise

Other

Participants in the intervention group will perform 3 sets of low back extension exercise on the Roman chair until volitional exhaustion. The three sets will be performed to volitional exhaustion or 20 repetitions, whichever comes first. If more than 20 repetitions can be completed after a set the investigator will add resistance according to the NSCA's guidelines (2.5-10% increase).

Primary outcomes

  1. Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia

    Time frame: Weeks 1 and 4

    Participants will perform one set of back extension exercise on a 45-degree Roman chair until volitional exhaustion. Pressure Pain Threshold applied over the low back will be examined before and after exercise.

  2. Muscle Thickness

    Time frame: Weeks 1 and 4

    Ultrasound imaging to assess muscle thickness of the erector spinae and the multifidus muscles will be completed.

  3. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Weeks 1 and 4

    Back extensor strength will be assessed using maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the back extensor muscles using a handheld dynamometer.

  4. Muscle Endurance

    Time frame: Weeks 1 and 4

    The Biering-Sorensen test will be performed in which participants lie prone on a treatment table with the lower body secured to the table. Participants will be instructed to cross their arms over their chest and maintain their torso in a horizontal position with the upper body unsupported, parallel to the floor.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Central Florida

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessing Adaptations in Biopsychosocial Factors and Muscle Morphology After a Resistance Exercise Intervention in Individuals With Low Back Pain

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Oct 2, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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