NCT07277803

Device-Based vs Manual Sensory Training in Low Back Pain

Not yet recruiting NA Last updated 29 December 2025

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Technology-Based Sensory Acuity Training Group (T-SATG) in Low Back Pain in 66 participants. Not yet recruiting.

Timeline

15 August 2026

Primary endpoint
15 May 2027

15 December 2027

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Medipol University
Phase	NA
Status	Not yet recruiting
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	single
Primary purpose	treatment
Enrollment	66
Start date	15 August 2026
Primary completion	15 May 2027
Estimated completion	15 December 2027

Drugs / interventions tested

• Technology-Based Sensory Acuity Training Group (T-SATG)
• Control Group (CG)
• Manual Sensory Acuity Training Group (M-SATG)

Conditions studied

• Low Back Pain — all drugs for Low Back Pain →

Sponsor

Medipol University

Who can join

Adults 25 to 45, any sex, with Low Back Pain. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and affects a large proportion of working-age individuals. Cortical reorganization in CLBP, particularly within the sensorimotor cortex, has been shown to negatively influence sensory acuity and motor control. The neuroplasticity underlying this reorganization may enhance the effectiveness of sensorimotor retraining therapies that involve specific stimulus features targeting somatosensory cortical regions.

This randomized controlled trial will include three groups: a device-assisted sensory acuity training group, a manual sensory acuity training group, and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. In this study, device-assisted sensory acuity training will be delivered using a standardized vibrotactile interface that presents controlled stimuli and records participant responses. The intervention will be structured to target sensory acuity components similar to those addressed in manual training.

Accordingly, the structured training protocol will include:

* localization training to improve detection of stimulus location,
* orientation discrimination to identify stimulus direction,
* temporal acuity training to distinguish timing differences between tactile stimuli and
* graphesthesia training to improve recognition of shapes or letters drawn on the skin through tactile input.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate sensory acuity in individuals with CLBP and to determine the effects of a structured manual and technology-based sensory acuity training program, combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain intensity (VAS), lumbar two-point discrimination, and a composite sensory acuity score.

We hypothesize that adding manual and technology-based structured sensory acuity training (SAT) program to a conventional physiotherapy regimen including motor control exercises will support central nervous system reorganization, improve sensory profiles, and lead to improvements in pain-related variables, disability, and quality of life.

Through this structured SAT program, we aim to provide an approach that evaluates and trains multiple dimensions of sensory acuity in CLBP, including localization, orientation, and temporal discrimination.

Publications & conference data

1 peer-reviewed publication reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

1. Effects of device-based and manual sensory acuity training on nonspecific chronic low back pain: a three-arm randomized controlled trial protocol.
   Gurluk A, Saribas PK, Ozkocak G, Tarakci D, et al · · 2026 · PMID 42210430 · DOI 10.1186/s13063-026-09804-2