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) .
Get Notified of Future Opportunities
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Recruitment End Date:
April 8, 2026
April 8, 2026
Location:
Education Complex and Gym
12494 University Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
Education Complex and Gym
12494 University Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
Time Commitment:
Number of visits: 14
Expected time per visit: 30 minutes
Number of visits: 14
Expected time per visit: 30 minutes
Compensation:
Type: $100 Amazon gift card if assigned to the intervention group. $50 Amazon gift card if assigned to the control group
Type: $100 Amazon gift card if assigned to the intervention group. $50 Amazon gift card if assigned to the control group
Point of Contact:
Kaitlyn Lyons
Kaitlyn Lyons
Associated Units:
Kinesiology
Kinesiology
