Impairment Based Treatment Versus Modified Functional Restoration Program in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients (FIRM-CLBP)

Comparatore attivo: Impairment-based treatment group

Altro: Impairment-based trearment

Subgroup 1 - Lumbar Mobility Deficits Clinical characteristics Localized low back pain Restricted lumbar range of motion Segmental hypomobility Pain at end-range movement Stiffness with prolonged posture Subgroup 2 - Movement Coordination Impairment Clinical characteristics Recurrent low back pain Pain aggravated by movement Poor trunk control Difficulty maintaining neutral spine Aberrant movement patterns during functional tasks Subgroup 3 - Low Back Pain with Referred Lower Extremity Pain (Non-Radicular) Clinical characteristics Low back pain associated with referred pain to the buttock or thigh (above the knee) No neurological deficit on examination Symptoms influenced by movement or loading Mechanical pain behavior

Comparatore attivo: Modified short functional restoration program

Altro: Modified Functional restoration program

The modified short Functional Restoration Program (FRP) is a structured, time-efficient rehabilitation approach designed to improve functional capacity in patients with chronic low back pain. It is based on a biopsychosocial model and combines progressive physical reconditioning with functional task training and patient education. The program includes aerobic conditioning, strengthening exercises, movement retraining, and graded activity exposure, with emphasis on restoring tolerance to daily activities rather than focusing solely on pain reduction.

In this modified short version, the program is adapted for older adults and delivered over a limited timeframe, with standardized session content and progression criteria to ensure consistency, safety, and feasibility within a clinical outpatient setting.

Pain intensity

-Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) from 1 to 10 , minimum 1 and maximum 10 . The bigger the numbers means the worse .

Function

Modified Oswestry disability Index

the MOLBPDQ consists of 10 patient-completed questions in which the response options are presented as 6-point Likert scales. Scores range from 0% (no disability) to 100% (most severe disability).

Strength

Hand held dynamometer (activ force 2)

Eligibility rate

Eligibility rate will be calculated as the proportion of screened participants who meet the study eligibility criteria. All individuals assessed for participation will be recorded, including those who are eligible and those who are excluded with reasons for exclusion.

Eligibility Rate (%) = Number of Eligible Participants ÷ Number of Screened Participants × 100

Retention

Participant Retention Rate

Description:

Percentage of enrolled participants who complete the study through the final follow-up assessment, as determined from study participation and completion records.

Unit of Measure:

Percentage (%)

Measurement Tool:

Study participation and completion records

Intervention fidelity

Percentage of predefined treatment components delivered according to the study protocol, as assessed using a standardized intervention fidelity checklist completed by an independent assessor during treatment sessions. Fidelity scores will be calculated as the proportion of protocol-required components successfully delivered.

Unit of Measure:

Percentage (%)

Measurement Tool:

Standardized Intervention Fidelity Checklist

Recruitment feasibility

Determine the recruitment rate (number of eligible and consenting participants per month) among older adults with degenerative chronic low back pain recruited from the clinical setting

Safety outcome

The incidence, type, severity, and relatedness of any adverse events or undesirable effects potentially attributable to the rehabilitation intervention will be monitored and documented throughout the study period. Adverse events may include increased pain, excessive fatigue, symptom aggravation, dizziness, discomfort during or after treatment, or any other unexpected clinical complaint reported by the participant or observed by the therapist.

Data completeness

Data completeness will be assessed by calculating the proportion of completed outcome assessments at each assessment point out of the total expected outcome assessments. Missing or incomplete data will be recorded and reported.

Adherence

Participant adherence will be assessed throughout the intervention period using session attendance records, completion of the prescribed exercise program, and therapist documentation. Attendance adherence will be calculated as the percentage of attended treatment sessions out of the total scheduled sessions. Home exercise adherence will be monitored using a patient exercise diary or checklist, where participants record the frequency of performed exercises. Overall adherence will be considered acceptable when the participant completes at least 80% of the scheduled sessions and prescribed home exercises.

Adherence rate will be calculated using the following formula:

Adherence Rate (%) = Number of Completed Sessions or Exercises ÷ Total Prescribed Sessions or Exercises × 100

Quality of Life outcome

Short Form 12 Item Health Survey Sf-12 , when the score gets higher it means better outcome.

Range of motion

Goniometer

Pressure pain threshold

Pressure pain threshold will be measured by pressure algometer using Kilogram as a unit of measurement.

Acceptability

Acceptability will be assessed using participant feedback regarding the practicality, ease of use, burden, and overall acceptability of the study procedures and measurement tools. Feedback may be collected using a brief questionnaire, rating scale, or structured interview.