CHPS RESEARCH STUDIES

Biopsychosocial and Muscle Adaptations after a Resistance Exercise Intervention in Low Back Pain

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are conducting a study to examine how resistance exercise affects muscle function, pain sensitivity, and psychological factors in individuals with low back pain.

What does participation involve?

If assigned to the intervention group, you will complete 14 visits (12 supervised resistance exercise sessions lasting ~30 minutes each, plus 2 testing sessions lasting ~90 minutes each) over 4–6 weeks.

If assigned to the control group, you will complete 2 testing sessions only (~90 minutes each, 4 weeks apart).

Procedures include questionnaires, ultrasound imaging, muscle strength and endurance testing, and supervised back extension exercise (intervention group).

Inclusion Qualifications:

Are 18–50 years old.
Have had low back pain for more than 12 weeks, rated 3/10 or higher in the past 48 hours.
Are resistance trained (2x/week for the past 8 weeks

Exclusion Qualifications:

You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:

History of spinal surgery, fusion, or fracture within the past 6 months
Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal pathology that precludes safe exercise participation. 
Use of an assistive device for walking (cane, walker) within the past year .
Pregnancy, due to contraindications for exercise testing and ultrasound. 
Body weight ≥ 300 lbs., which exceeds the safe capacity of the Roman chair. 
Current tobacco/nicotine use 
Current enrollment in physical therapy or structured rehabilitation (e.g. chiropractor) for LBP 
Cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or systemic disease that increases risk during exercise 
Nociplastic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia) or neurological conditions that confound EIH responses  
Inability to complete ≥ 8 Roman chair repetitions without an increase in pain during screening 
Non-English speakers 
Known presence of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease 
Not physically ready to exercise without a medical exam as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+) 
Exceed safety threshold for pressure pain threshold (examined during screening) .

Participate in this Research

Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed.

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