Breathing and Attention Training for Chronic Low Back Pain

The primary objective of the proposed pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of a 5-day breathing and attention training (BAT) in a sample of 30 adults with cLBP. The secondary objective is to explore preliminary clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of the breathing interventions (focused-BAT and standard-BAT), by examining changes in clinical pain outcomes and potential pain-related psychological, physiological, and behavioral mediating variables. Both interventions will be delivered via an audio recording in order to standardize the interventions across participants and to enhance treatment fidelity. Results from this study will inform the successful design and implementation of a larger RCT and provide preliminary evidence regarding the potential efficacy of this breathing intervention for people with cLBP.

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic low back pain consistent with recommendations of the NIH task force on cLBP (i.e., participants with cLBP of at least moderate impact that has persisted on more days than not over the past 3 months)
• Age 18-65

Exclusion criteria

• Systemic rheumatic disease/condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia).
• Asthma, breathing problems, or a respiratory disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Daily use of opioids. We will exclude patients using opioids daily as both continued use and temporary withdrawal from these medications this could affect pain perception and response to interventions. Other medications being used will be recorded and controlled in statistical analyses as needed.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of > 150/95), orthostatic hypotension, cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease. These exclusions are in place primarily for safety reasons, however, uncontrolled hypertension can also affect pain perception, which is another reason for excluding these individuals.
• Neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, vasovagal syncope) or evidence of previous brain injury, including stroke and traumatic brain injury.
• Serious psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months or characterized by active suicidal ideation.
• Current substance use disorder or history of hospitalization for treatment of substance use disorder.
• Pregnant
• Any significant comorbidities that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with the study or lead to deleterious effects for the patient.