Expressive Art Therapy for Elder Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Low Back Pain

Treatments: Other: Exercise; Other: Art therapy combined with Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07141082

HSEARS20250416004-01

1-WZBS (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This research project aims to assess the feasibility of expressive art therapy for elderly adults with chronic low back pain and to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of combining art therapy with exercise intervention. Additionally, the study will investigate facilitators and barriers to participation.

A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative semi-structured focus group discussions. The questionnaire will examine physical, functional, and psychological changes potentially influenced by art therapy, while the focus groups will provide in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perceptions of the combined intervention.

Full description

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide, significantly impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a new approach that combines supervised group expressive art therapy with exercise for elderly individuals suffering from CLBP.

The primary goal is to assess participant recruitment, retention, and adherence to intervention. The investigators will also identify any logistical challenges that may arise during the process. To gather preliminary data on the intervention's effectiveness, the investigators will measure changes in pain intensity, functional ability, psychological flexibility, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

In addition to quantitative measures, the investigators will conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain deeper insights into the participants' experiences. This will help to identify factors that facilitate or hinder their engagement with the program.

By incorporating expressive art therapy-an approach that encourages emotional expression and coping strategies-this study aims to provide a holistic method for managing pain. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for older adults affected by CLBP. If successful, this pilot RCT will offer valuable insights that could inform a larger, definitive RCT, paving the way for innovative, interdisciplinary strategies in chronic pain management and improving health outcomes in the community.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• aged 60 years and above
• currently experiencing non-specific low back pain for at least three months
• who have sought medical treatment for CLBP
• can read and write in Traditional Chinese
• MoCA-5 of 18 or above

Exclusion criteria

• malignant pain
• lumbar spinal stenosis
• confirmed dementia
• severe cognitive impairment
• serious major medical or psychiatric disorders
• currently receiving physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological treatments

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental: Expressive art therapy

Experimental group

Description:

One hour of expressive art therapy followed by exercise session.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise

Control Group: Exercise

Active Comparator group

Description:

The control group will be a one-hour session that includes progressive back strengthening and general reconditioning exercises, complemented by education on back care to support self-management of low back pain.

Treatment:

Other: Art therapy combined with Exercise