Effect of combined Pain Neuroscience Education with Conventionnel Physiotherapy for patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

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Published Jan 22, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i11.5990
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Vol. 103 No. 11 (2025): Tunis Med Nov 2025

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Ali Iken
Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research, and Epidemiology (LBCRE), Mohammed V University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,10000, Rabat, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2412-9714
Samia Karkouri
Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Ibn Sina University Hospital, 10100, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University,10000,Rabat, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9288-9680
Anas Messouber
Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Ibn Sina University Hospital, 10100, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University,10000,Rabat, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0862-4382

Abstract

 


Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents a major challenge for healthcare systems due to its significant physical, psychological, and economic impacts. Most affected patients have already tried various treatment methods, including physiotherapy, without significant benefit [1]. Thus, determining the best treatment method for these patients has always been a priority in clinical research.


Aim: to determine whether a conventional physiotherapy program (CPP) combined with pain neuroscience education (PNE) is superior to a CPP alone in patients with CLBP.


Methods: This study is a single-blind randomized controlled clinical. Forty participants (n = 40) with CLBP will be randomly assigned equally between the two study groups (intervention group: "PNE + CPP," and control group: "CPP alone") according to the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measure of the clinical trial is pain intensity. Secondary outcome measures will assess functional disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life. Results will be evaluated at baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention.


Expected results : PNE, as a complementary therapy, is expected to have a positive impact on pain in patients with CLBP. The authors anticipate that PNE, when combined with a CPP, could improve functional capacity, reduce kinesiophobia and catastrophizing, and contribute to the overall improvement of quality of life in patients with CLBP.


Trial registration: PACTR202405901603120 (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=30450)

Keywords:

Pain neuroscience education, low back pain, physiotherapy, RCT

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