Effects of Multifidus Lift Exercise on Endurance, Pain, and Disability in University Students Wit… (NCT07182825) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Multifidus Lift Exercise on Endurance, Pain, and Disability in University Students With Low Back Pain
Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2025-10-01
Plain-language summary
Nonspecific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that also affects many young adults, including university students. It can negatively impact academic performance, daily life, and overall well-being. Research shows that stabilization exercises targeting the lumbar multifidus muscle play an important role in rehabilitation, but it is unclear whether modified versions of these exercises may provide additional benefits.
This study will investigate a simple modification of the traditional "bird-dog" exercise, called the "Multifidus Lift Exercise." In this version, participants maintain the contralateral knee about 10 cm above the ground while in a four-point kneeling position. This adjustment is expected to increase multifidus activation and improve back endurance.
University students aged 18-25 with nonspecific low back pain will participate in a 6-week supervised program, performing the exercise twice weekly. A healthy control group without low back pain will also be included. The main outcome will be back extensor muscle endurance (Biering-Sørensen Test). In participants with back pain, pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) and functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index) will also be measured.
The study aims to determine whether this low-cost, practical, and time-efficient exercise can improve muscle endurance, reduce pain, and decrease disability in young adults with low back pain. Results may provide evidence for an effective and accessible preventive and therapeutic approach in student populations.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 25 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 25 years
Currently enrolled as a university student at Selçuk University
Willing to participate voluntarily and sign informed consent form
Medically suitable for exercise participation
For NSCLBP group:
History of nonspecific chronic low back pain within the past 3 months
Physician confirmation of nonspecific low back pain
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) ≥ 21% (moderate disability)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥ 3.5
For Healthy control group:
No history of low back pain within the past 3 months
Physician confirmation of no contraindications for exercise
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of radicular pain or nerve root compression symptoms
History of spinal surgery
Neurological deficits within the past 3 months (e.g., muscle weakness, reflex loss, paresthesia)
Systemic infection or systemic disease affecting participation
Cardiovascular or pulmonary disease contraindicating exercise
Clinical "red flag" symptoms (e.g., saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder incontinence, fever, known cancer)
Pregnancy
Regular use of analgesics, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications
Participation in regular exercise programs in the past 3 months
Active involvement in sports directly affecting lumbar muscles (e.g., fitness, pilates, yoga, swimming)
Inability to comply with exercise sessions or study protocol
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.