NCT07414017 Comparison of Focus of Attention in Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Training in Older Adults With Low Back Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07414017 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi |
| Condition | Focus of Attention |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-02-23 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-05-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2026-02-23 with a primary completion date of 2026-05-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Chronic low back pain is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with impaired balance, increased fall risk, frailty, depressive symptoms, and reduced functional capacity. Exercise-based rehabilitation is a cornerstone of management in this population, and emerging evidence suggests that attentional focus strategies may influence motor learning and functional outcomes. Virtual reality-based exercise interventions provide an interactive and engaging environment that may further enhance rehabilitation outcomes in older individuals. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of external and internal focus of attention strategies applied during a virtual reality-based core stabilization exercise program on frailty, balance, fall risk, lower extremity functional strength, sarcopenia risk, and depression in older adults with chronic low back pain. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an external focus or internal focus group. Both groups will receive the same virtual reality-based core stabilization exercise program, administered three times per week for six weeks under physiotherapist supervision in a safe clinical setting. The exercise content, session duration, exercise volume, and progression will be identical between groups; the only difference will be the verbal and visual instructions provided to direct participants' attentional focus. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. Frailty will be evaluated using the Frailty Assessment Scale (FAS-TR), sarcopenia risk using the SARC-T questionnaire, balance and fall risk using the Biodex Balance System, functional lower extremity strength using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory. This study aims to determine whether attentional focus strategies differentially influence clinical and functional outcomes in older adults with chronic low back pain undergoing virtual reality-based exercise training.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years and older * Diagnosis of non-specific chronic low back pain lasting at least 3 months * Ability to stand and walk independently (use of assistive devices such as a cane or walker is permitted) * Ability to perform most activities of daily living independently * No severe visual, auditory, or vestibular impairments that would prevent participation in a virtual reality-based exercise program * Adequate cognitive function to understand and follow instructions (Mini-Mental -State Examination score ≥ 24 or clinical judgment) * Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of specific causes of low back pain (e.g., vertebral fracture, tumor, infection, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, advanced spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis) * History of lumbar spine or lower extremity surgery within the past 6 months * Presence of severe neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) or severe peripheral neuropathy * Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases that may pose a risk during exercise participation * Any acute medical condition or musculoskeletal disorder that contraindicates participation in exercise training
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07414017 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 65 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Focus of Attention. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07414017 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07414017 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at safak.yumusak@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07414017 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Center, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07414017 clinical trial?
NCT07414017 is sponsored by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.