Back PainNCT03707288
Neck and Low Back Pain in Medical Students at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
A study testing Spine Exercise Program (Group B) in people with Back Pain and Low Back Pain, run by The University of The West Indies at 2 sites in Jamaica.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of neck and low back pain in medical students enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona; to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of good spine health and to determine the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program on medical students… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any ageHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Spine Exercise Program (Group B)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 1,000 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesJamaica
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2018to 2 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- All students enrolled in the medical program at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica during the period October 1, 2018 to January 2, 2026.
- Individuals who express a willingness to consent to the study.
- Individuals who express a willingness to adhere to the standardised exercise program for the stipulated period.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with a history of having spine surgery.
- Individuals who were previously diagnosed with spine pathology and currently receiving rehabilitation therapy.
- Individuals who express an unwillingness to participate in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR contact
Jamaica2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex,The University of the West Indies, University Hospital of the West Indies
Kingston, Kingston, JMAAW15
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, 1-876-927-1297 ext. 8049, paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm
- Recruiting
Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, University of The West Indies-Mona Campus
Kingston
Paula U.A Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR, 876-631-4000 or 876-927-1297 ext. 8049, paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm
Shantelle B Peddlar-Barclay, MBBS, 1-876-927-1297 ext. 8050, pmrphysiatryclinic@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain in Medical Students at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of neck and low back pain in medical students enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona; to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of good spine health and to determine the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program on medical students experiencing neck and low back pain, using a prospective randomised control design.
Read the detailed description
There is a surfeit of literature on musculoskeletal pain especially that of neck and low back pain, which are commonly associated with lifestyle practices including varied occupations that affect individuals of all ages.
Medical students in the clinical years of training are more likely to be involved in prolonged and strenuous activities such as standing during ward rounds, bending forward to examine patients and occasionally engaging in manual handling of patients. During the early phase of preclinical training, medical students primarily sit for extended periods in lectures, use computers or tablets, or study in the library while completing assignments. These practices may all contribute to the increased risk of developing neck and low back pain among other musculoskeletal problems, especially in instances where the strength and stability of the spine is not maintained and safe spine precautions are not taken.
To the researcher's knowledge, there is no published study in Jamaica, or in the wider Caribbean, which looks at the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain -- specifically neck and low back pain in medical students. This study aims to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain in medical students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, as well as to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice toward good spine health in preventing neck and low back pain.
Using a prospective randomised control study model for students experiencing neck and low back pain, this study will evaluate the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program in participants over an eight (8) week period. These participants will be randomly assigned to the clinical control group (Group A), which will receive no intervention, or the intervention group (Group B), which will follow a standardised spine exercise program over the stipulated period. Data will be collected using Questionnaires A and B, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The outcomes of both groups will then be compared to determine the program's effectiveness in reducing discomfort and promoting better knowledge, attitude and practice towards spine health among medical students.
The identity of all participants will be protected and will only be identified by an assigned study number. Basic demographic information, presenting complaints and outcome information will be obtained for the purposes of the study. All data will be managed securely using REDCap, a password-protected, web-based platform compliant with national data protection standards. Data exported for analysis will be handled using SPSS software, ensuring confidentiality is maintained throughout. All records will be securely destroyed three years after study completion.
- Conditions
- Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Lower Back Pain, Spine Health
- Being tested
- Clinical Control Group (Group A), Spine Exercise Program (Group B)
- Keywords
- lower back pain, low back pain, neck pain, neck and back pain, spine health, medical students, university students, musculoskeletal pain
- Medical subject headings
- Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Collagen Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Clinical Control Group (Group A)Behavioural
The participants who reported the presence of neck or low back pain and were assigned to the clinical control group (Group A) after randomisation will not receive the intervention of an exercise program. The interventional group (Group B) will be asked to keep the standardised exercise program confidential and not share with the control group (Group A). After eight (8) weeks, Group A participants will receive: the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess for changes in the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; a Questionnaire B, to ascertain any changes in their pain level using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, without having received any intervention.
Spine Exercise Program (Group B)Behavioural
The standardised spine exercise program will be provided in a handout and given only to the intervention group (Group B), and will include simple basic neck or low back exercises to be done three (3) times per week, as well as brief stretching exercises, to be done during periods of sitting for greater than sixty (60) minutes. The selected participants will be asked to comply with instructions on the handout. Participants who experience worsening of their symptoms, or who develop new symptoms will be assessed as having an adverse outcome and will be withdrawn from the study.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control (Group A) | Other | All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group A will not be given any exercise programs over an eight (8) week period after which time, participants will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as a Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, without having received any intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Clinical Control Group (Group A) |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B) | Other | All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group B will be given a standardised spine exercise program over an eight (8) week period, after which time they will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, having received the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Spine Exercise Program (Group B) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire measures the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain, as reported by participants. The individually reported frequency score is then multiplied by the discomfort score and by the interference score to determine overall severity of pain experienced. This tallied score is then classified by severity into: no discomfort (0), mild (1 to 4.5), moderate (5 to 14), severe (15 - 45) and very severe (45 or higher). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their reported scores.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low back Pain (Questionnaire A)
Questionnaire A is a self-administered general questionnaire used to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck and low back pain.
Measured: Done at the time of enrollment (Baseline)
Change from Baseline in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low Back Pain (Questionnaire B)
Questionnaire B is a self-administered general questionnaire used to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck and low back pain.
Measured: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change from Baseline in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
The Numeric Rating Scale is a reliable and valid, unidimensional 11-point scale used for patient self-reporting of perceived pain. Its scale uses integers which range from zero (0) to ten (10), where 0 represents no pain, and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. This is then categorised into mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their perceived pain. This scale is from public domains and as such, permission for its use is not required.
Measured: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Oct 2018
- Study start1 Oct 2018
- Primary completion2 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion2 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (13)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 1,000 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of The West Indies
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Paula Dawson, MBBS, The University of The West Indies
- Investigators
- Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR, Principal investigator, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03707288
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ECP 248, 13/14
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 10 Oct 2018
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Ehrlich GE. Low back pain. Bull World Health Organ. 2003;81(9):671-6. Epub 2003 Nov 14.
PubMed 14710509Punnett L, Pruss-Utun A, Nelson DI, Fingerhut MA, Leigh J, Tak S, Phillips S. Estimating the global burden of low back pain attributable to combined occupational exposures. Am J Ind Med. 2005 Dec;48(6):459-69. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20232.
PubMed 16299708Lis AM, Black KM, Korn H, Nordin M. Association between sitting and occupational LBP. Eur Spine J. 2007 Feb;16(2):283-98. doi: 10.1007/s00586-006-0143-7. Epub 2006 May 31.
PubMed 16736200Smith DR, Wei N, Ishitake T, Wang RS. Musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese medical students. Kurume Med J. 2005;52(4):139-46. doi: 10.2739/kurumemedj.52.139.
PubMed 16639985Falavigna A, Teles AR, Mazzocchin T, de Braga GL, Kleber FD, Barreto F, Santin JT, Barazzetti D, Lazzaretti L, Steiner B, Beckenkamp NL. Increased prevalence of low back pain among physiotherapy students compared to medical students. Eur Spine J. 2011 Mar;20(3):500-5. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1646-9. Epub 2010 Dec 7.
PubMed 21136121Alshagga MA, Nimer AR, Yan LP, Ibrahim IA, Al-Ghamdi SS, Radman Al-Dubai SA. Prevalence and factors associated with neck, shoulder and low back pains among medical students in a Malaysian Medical College. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jul 1;6:244. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-244.
PubMed 23815853Smith DR, Leggat PA. Musculoskeletal disorders among rural Australian nursing students. Aust J Rural Health. 2004 Dec;12(6):241-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1854.2004.00620.x.
PubMed 15615575Lorusso A, Vimercati L, L'abbate N. Musculoskeletal complaints among Italian X-ray technology students: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Apr 24;3:114. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-114.
PubMed 20416101Smith DR, Leggat PA, Walsh LJ. Workplace hazards among Australian dental students. Aust Dent J. 2009 Jun;54(2):186-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01116_8.x. No abstract available.
PubMed 19473172Chou R, Huffman LH; American Pain Society; American College of Physicians. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Oct 2;147(7):492-504. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00007.
PubMed 17909210O'Sullivan PB, Phyty GD, Twomey LT, Allison GT. Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997 Dec 15;22(24):2959-67. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199712150-00020.
PubMed 9431633Mandel JH, Lohman W. Low back pain in nurses: the relative importance of medical history, work factors, exercise, and demographics. Res Nurs Health. 1987 Jun;10(3):165-70. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770100308.
PubMed 2954190Ariens GA, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Bouter LM, van der Wal G. Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000 Feb;26(1):7-19. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.504.
PubMed 10744172
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain in Medical Students at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03707288
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ECP 248, 13/14
- Conditions
- Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Lower Back Pain, Spine Health
- Keywords
- lower back pain, low back pain, neck pain, neck and back pain, spine health, medical students, university students, musculoskeletal pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 1,000 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of The West IndiesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2018 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 2 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 16 Oct 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of neck and low back pain in medical students enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona; to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of good spine health and to determine the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program on medical students experiencing neck and low back pain, using a prospective randomised control design.
Detailed description
There is a surfeit of literature on musculoskeletal pain especially that of neck and low back pain, which are commonly associated with lifestyle practices including varied occupations that affect individuals of all ages.
Medical students in the clinical years of training are more likely to be involved in prolonged and strenuous activities such as standing during ward rounds, bending forward to examine patients and occasionally engaging in manual handling of patients. During the early phase of preclinical training, medical students primarily sit for extended periods in lectures, use computers or tablets, or study in the library while completing assignments. These practices may all contribute to the increased risk of developing neck and low back pain among other musculoskeletal problems, especially in instances where the strength and stability of the spine is not maintained and safe spine precautions are not taken.
To the researcher's knowledge, there is no published study in Jamaica, or in the wider Caribbean, which looks at the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain -- specifically neck and low back pain in medical students. This study aims to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain in medical students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, as well as to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice toward good spine health in preventing neck and low back pain.
Using a prospective randomised control study model for students experiencing neck and low back pain, this study will evaluate the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program in participants over an eight (8) week period. These participants will be randomly assigned to the clinical control group (Group A), which will receive no intervention, or the intervention group (Group B), which will follow a standardised spine exercise program over the stipulated period. Data will be collected using Questionnaires A and B, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The outcomes of both groups will then be compared to determine the program's effectiveness in reducing discomfort and promoting better knowledge, attitude and practice towards spine health among medical students.
The identity of all participants will be protected and will only be identified by an assigned study number. Basic demographic information, presenting complaints and outcome information will be obtained for the purposes of the study. All data will be managed securely using REDCap, a password-protected, web-based platform compliant with national data protection standards. Data exported for analysis will be handled using SPSS software, ensuring confidentiality is maintained throughout. All records will be securely destroyed three years after study completion.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control (Group A) | Other | Behavioral: Clinical Control Group (Group A)All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group A will not be given any exercise programs over an eight (8) week period after which time, participants will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as a Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, without having received any intervention. |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B) | Other | Behavioral: Spine Exercise Program (Group B)All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group B will be given a standardised spine exercise program over an eight (8) week period, after which time they will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, having received the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- All students enrolled in the medical program at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica during the period October 1, 2018 to January 2, 2026.
- Individuals who express a willingness to consent to the study.
- Individuals who express a willingness to adhere to the standardised exercise program for the stipulated period.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with a history of having spine surgery.
- Individuals who were previously diagnosed with spine pathology and currently receiving rehabilitation therapy.
- Individuals who express an unwillingness to participate in the study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control Group (Group A)The participants who reported the presence of neck or low back pain and were assigned to the clinical control group (Group A) after randomisation will not receive the intervention of an exercise program. The interventional group (Group B) will be asked to keep the standardised exercise program confidential and not share with the control group (Group A). After eight (8) weeks, Group A participants will receive: the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess for changes in the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; a Questionnaire B, to ascertain any changes in their pain level using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, without having received any intervention. | Behavioural | Clinical Control (Group A) |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B)The standardised spine exercise program will be provided in a handout and given only to the intervention group (Group B), and will include simple basic neck or low back exercises to be done three (3) times per week, as well as brief stretching exercises, to be done during periods of sitting for greater than sixty (60) minutes. The selected participants will be asked to comply with instructions on the handout. Participants who experience worsening of their symptoms, or who develop new symptoms will be assessed as having an adverse outcome and will be withdrawn from the study. | Behavioural | Spine Exercise Program (Group B) |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks
The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire measures the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain, as reported by participants. The individually reported frequency score is then multiplied by the discomfort score and by the interference score to determine overall severity of pain experienced. This tallied score is then classified by severity into: no discomfort (0), mild (1 to 4.5), moderate (5 to 14), severe (15 - 45) and very severe (45 or higher). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their reported scores.
3 secondary outcomes
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low back Pain (Questionnaire A)
Time frame: Done at the time of enrollment (Baseline)
Change from Baseline in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low Back Pain (Questionnaire B)
Time frame: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change from Baseline in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Time frame: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 14710509Ehrlich GE. Low back pain. Bull World Health Organ. 2003;81(9):671-6. Epub 2003 Nov 14.
- Background: PubMed 16299708Punnett L, Pruss-Utun A, Nelson DI, Fingerhut MA, Leigh J, Tak S, Phillips S. Estimating the global burden of low back pain attributable to combined occupational exposures. Am J Ind Med. 2005 Dec;48(6):459-69. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20232.
- Background: PubMed 16736200Lis AM, Black KM, Korn H, Nordin M. Association between sitting and occupational LBP. Eur Spine J. 2007 Feb;16(2):283-98. doi: 10.1007/s00586-006-0143-7. Epub 2006 May 31.
- Background: PubMed 16639985Smith DR, Wei N, Ishitake T, Wang RS. Musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese medical students. Kurume Med J. 2005;52(4):139-46. doi: 10.2739/kurumemedj.52.139.
- Background: PubMed 21136121Falavigna A, Teles AR, Mazzocchin T, de Braga GL, Kleber FD, Barreto F, Santin JT, Barazzetti D, Lazzaretti L, Steiner B, Beckenkamp NL. Increased prevalence of low back pain among physiotherapy students compared to medical students. Eur Spine J. 2011 Mar;20(3):500-5. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1646-9. Epub 2010 Dec 7.
- Background: PubMed 23815853Alshagga MA, Nimer AR, Yan LP, Ibrahim IA, Al-Ghamdi SS, Radman Al-Dubai SA. Prevalence and factors associated with neck, shoulder and low back pains among medical students in a Malaysian Medical College. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jul 1;6:244. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-244.
- Background: PubMed 15615575Smith DR, Leggat PA. Musculoskeletal disorders among rural Australian nursing students. Aust J Rural Health. 2004 Dec;12(6):241-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1854.2004.00620.x.
- Background: PubMed 20416101Lorusso A, Vimercati L, L'abbate N. Musculoskeletal complaints among Italian X-ray technology students: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Apr 24;3:114. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-114.
- Background: PubMed 19473172Smith DR, Leggat PA, Walsh LJ. Workplace hazards among Australian dental students. Aust Dent J. 2009 Jun;54(2):186-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01116_8.x. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 17909210Chou R, Huffman LH; American Pain Society; American College of Physicians. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Oct 2;147(7):492-504. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00007.
- Background: PubMed 9431633O'Sullivan PB, Phyty GD, Twomey LT, Allison GT. Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997 Dec 15;22(24):2959-67. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199712150-00020.
- Background: PubMed 2954190Mandel JH, Lohman W. Low back pain in nurses: the relative importance of medical history, work factors, exercise, and demographics. Res Nurs Health. 1987 Jun;10(3):165-70. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770100308.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Back Pain
RecruitingPhase 4
ESP Blocks for Posterior Spinal Fusion
Postoperative Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Hip Hinge Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Non-specific Low Back Pain.
Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparing Non-Medicine Strategies for Improving Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), High-Impact Chronic Pain (HICP)
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR contact
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR principal investigator
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Spine Exercise Program (Group B) in people with Back Pain and Low Back Pain, run by The University of The West Indies at 2 sites in Jamaica.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Jamaica. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR (1-876-927-1297 ext. 8049, paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03707288, which also lists 13 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2025.