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Multimodal Back Pain Therapies for Chronic Lower Back Pain (BEST Trial)

Phase 4
Waitlist Available
Led By Kevin Anstrom, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Low-back pain for at least 3 months and occurring on at least half the days in the past 6 months
Low-back pain more severe than pain in other parts of the body
Must not have
Affirmative participant response to any of the following conditions: Progressive neurodegenerative disease, History of discitis osteomyelitis (spine infection) or spine tumor, History of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, or lupus, History of cauda equina syndrome or spinal radiculopathy with functional motor deficit (strength <4/5 on manual motor testing), Diagnosis of any vertebral fracture in the last 6 months, Osteoporosis requiring pharmacologic treatment other than vitamin D, calcium supplements, or bisphosphonates, History of any bone-related cancer or cancer that metastasized to the bone, Currently in treatment for any non-skin cancer or plan to start non-skin cancer treatment in the next 12 months, History of any non-skin cancer treatment in the last 24 months, Visual or hearing difficulties that would preclude participation, Uncontrolled drug/alcohol addiction, Individuals actively pursuing disability or workers compensation or involved in active personal injury-related litigation, Currently participating in another interventional pain study, Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude the patient from being able to safely participate in the trial
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, 24 weeks
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is looking to find the best possible treatment for chronic low back pain by testing different interventions and seeing which one works best for each individual based on their specific markers and response to treatment.

Who is the study for?
The BEST Trial is for adults with chronic lower back pain lasting at least 3 months, who can participate in a 9-month study. They must be able to use email and internet-enabled devices, understand English, and not be excluded due to certain medical conditions or ongoing legal issues.
What is being tested?
This trial evaluates four treatments for chronic low-back pain: enhanced self-care (ESC), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), evidence-based exercise/manual therapy (EBEM), and the medication duloxetine. It aims to develop personalized treatment plans based on individual responses.
What are the potential side effects?
Duloxetine may cause nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, loss of appetite, and increased sweating. Exercise/therapy could result in muscle soreness or strain. ACT typically has no side effects but might bring up uncomfortable emotions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have had low-back pain for at least 3 months, happening often.
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My low-back pain is worse than pain in any other part of my body.
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I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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Criterion: If you have any of the following conditions, you can't participate: progressive neurodegenerative disease, spine infection or tumor, certain types of arthritis or autoimmune diseases, specific spinal cord or nerve issues, recent vertebral fracture or osteoporosis needing medication, bone-related cancer, current or recent non-skin cancer treatment, significant vision or hearing problems, uncontrolled drug or alcohol addiction, ongoing disability or injury-related legal matters, current participation in another pain study, or any other condition that the study doctor thinks would make it unsafe for you to take part.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, 24 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 24 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in Patient-Reported Pain Intensity and Interference Score
Secondary study objectives
Change in Anxiety Score
Change in Depression Score
Change in Pain Interference
+4 more

Trial Design

4Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: Treatment Period 1: Enhanced Self-Care (ESC)Active Control1 Intervention
This arm includes participants who are randomized to ESC in Treatment Period 1. Depending on their response to Treatment 1 measured at 12 Weeks post-initial randomization, participants in this arm will stay on ESC or be randomized to augment ESC with an additional treatment during Treatment Period 2.
Group II: Treatment Period 1: DuloxetineActive Control1 Intervention
This arm includes participants who are randomized to Duloxetine in Treatment Period 1. Depending on their response to Treatment 1 measured at 12 Weeks post-initial randomization, participants in this arm will stay on Duloxetine, augment Duloxetine with an additional treatment, or switch to a new treatment during Treatment Period 2.
Group III: Treatment Period 1: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Active Control1 Intervention
This arm includes participants who are randomized to ACT in Treatment Period 1. Depending on their response to Treatment 1 measured at 12 Weeks post-initial randomization, participants in this arm will stay on ACT, augment ACT with an additional treatment, or switch to a new treatment during Treatment Period 2.
Group IV: Treatment Period 1: Evidence-Based Exercise and Manual Therapy (EBEM)Active Control1 Intervention
This arm includes participants who are randomized to EBEM in Treatment Period 1. Depending on their response to Treatment 1 measured at 12 Weeks post-initial randomization, participants in this arm will stay on EBEM, augment EBEM with an additional treatment, or switch to a new treatment during Treatment Period 2.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel HillLead Sponsor
1,543 Previous Clinical Trials
4,248,028 Total Patients Enrolled
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)NIH
493 Previous Clinical Trials
1,088,416 Total Patients Enrolled
Kevin Anstrom, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUNC Chapel Hill
5 Previous Clinical Trials
894 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05396014 — Phase 4
Chronic Lower Back Pain Research Study Groups: Treatment Period 1: Enhanced Self-Care (ESC), Treatment Period 1: Duloxetine, Treatment Period 1: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Treatment Period 1: Evidence-Based Exercise and Manual Therapy (EBEM)
Chronic Lower Back Pain Clinical Trial 2023: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05396014 — Phase 4
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05396014 — Phase 4
Chronic Lower Back Pain Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT05396014 — Phase 4
~41 spots leftby Nov 2024