Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Costs and Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy for People with Persistent Low Back Pain in Coventry.

This study aims to understand how effective and cost-efficient a treatment called Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is for people with long-term back pain in Coventry. We want to help those who might also have other health issues or face disadvantages. Previous research suggests CFT can significantly improve back pain, but it hasn't been tested much in people experiencing health inequalities or those with multiple health conditions. The study will bring CFT to 150 people currently on a physiotherapy waiting list. Researchers will track their health and healthcare use before, during, and after the therapy. They will also talk to some participants and their therapists to understand their experiences. The goal is to provide better care for everyone with persistent back pain.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

28 Dec 2023

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

Low Back Pain

What is this study about?

This study is about a special type of treatment called Cognitive Functional Therapy, or CFT, for people who have been living with back pain for a long time. Many studies have already shown that CFT can really help people feel better and improve their quality of life compared to other treatments.

However, we haven't looked enough at how well CFT works for everyone, especially those who come from areas where it’s harder to get good healthcare, or those who have other health problems alongside their back pain. We know that long-term back pain, financial hardship, and having several health conditions often go hand-in-hand. This study aims to help close that gap by seeing how effective and cost-friendly CFT is for people in Coventry who live with these challenges.

By understanding this better, we hope to make sure that effective treatments like CFT are available to more people, no matter their background or other health issues. This could lead to better ways to manage long-term back pain for a wider range of people in the UK.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) for long-term back pain.
It focuses on people in Coventry facing health inequalities or with other long-term health conditions.
Participation involves receiving CFT, having health checks, and possibly an interview.
The therapy is provided by specially trained physiotherapists.
The study aims to improve back pain care for a wider community.
You can leave the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to meet certain requirements. You must be over 18 years old and have had back pain for more than three months. You also need to be living in one of the more deprived areas of Coventry.

Another important aspect is that you should currently not be working, either unemployed or receiving long-term sick pay. You also need to have other documented health conditions, such as anxiety, diabetes, or heart disease. Additionally, you should be taking certain medications for your back pain that are not usually recommended by national guidelines, like strong painkillers or some types of antidepressants.

However, there are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have a serious spinal problem (which is very rare), or have a medical condition that stops you from being physically active. You also need to be able to travel to the study location for your therapy sessions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have back pain that has lasted for more than three months?
Am I over 18 years old?
Do I live in one of the most deprived areas of Coventry?
Am I currently not working (unemployed or on long-term sick leave)?
Do I have other health problems like anxiety, diabetes, or heart disease?
Am I taking certain strong pain medications or antidepressants for my back pain?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will be divided into two main parts. In the first part, you'll receive Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), a type of physiotherapy, from specially trained therapists. This therapy will take place over several weeks.

Before you start therapy, and then again after 13 and 26 weeks (which is about 3 and 6 months), we'll ask you about your health and how much you've used healthcare services like doctor visits or hospital stays. We'll get some of this information from your existing health records. Doctors won't change your usual medications during the study unless they feel it's necessary for your health.

In the second part, some participants and their therapists will be invited to have an informal chat. These chats will help us understand your experiences with the therapy and the study, giving us valuable insights into what worked well and what could be improved. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including follow-up, will be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might benefit you by providing access to Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), which has shown to help people with long-term back pain. You'll receive care from experienced, specially trained physiotherapists. However, as with any treatment, there's no guarantee that it will work for everyone, and it might require your time and commitment to attend sessions and provide information. There are no known serious risks associated with CFT beyond what might be expected with any physical therapy. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

City of Coventry Health Centre
Verified postcode
Coventry, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)?

CFT is a specific type of physiotherapy that helps you understand your back pain better and develop new ways to move and manage it, focusing on both your body and mind.

Will I have to pay to be part of this study?

No, you will not have to pay to take part in this study. The therapy and assessments are provided as part of the research.

How long will the back pain therapy last?

The Cognitive Functional Therapy sessions will be delivered over several weeks. Your health will then be checked again after 13 and 26 weeks (about 3 and 6 months).

Can I continue to see my own doctor?

Yes, you should continue to see your own family doctor and other healthcare providers as normal during the study.

What if my back pain gets worse during the study?

The therapists are trained professionals. If you have concerns about your back pain during the study, you should discuss it with your study therapist or your own doctor immediately.