What's impacting your back pain?
About this research
This study aims to understand what factors impact low back pain.
We are currently recruiting participants for two related studies. Depending on your eligibility and preferences, you can choose to participate in one study or both.
Who can participate
You may be eligible to participate in the study if you:
- are 18 years or older
- have experienced lower back pain on at least 2 days (not necessarily consecutive) in the past month that impacted your routine.
You may be ineligible if you:
- have known or suspected serious spinal injury or condition
- have a history of spine surgery
- have had major pain or injury to other body areas in the previous 12 months
- are currently or recently pregnant (less than 6 months post-partum)
- are currently using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-cytokine therapy or corticosteroids.
Please check extra eligibility requirements listed under the intensive monitoring study.
What's involved
If you meet the criteria, you can participate in the research in one of the following ways:
- Option A: Start with the intensive monitoring study (Study 2), completed over 2 4-weekday blocks, and then continue with the 12-week survey study (Study 1).
- Option B: Start with the 12-week survey study (Study 1) and decide later whether you would also like to participate in the intensive monitoring study (Study 2).
- Option C: Participate only in the intensive monitoring study (Study 2).
Study 1: 12-week survey study
You will be asked to:
- complete a short daily survey (~2 minutes)
- complete up to two follow-up surveys each week (~25 minutes each).
Study 2: Intensive monitoring study
You'll be asked to:
- provide detailed information about your sleep, physical activity and biological measures to help us better understand your low back pain
- attend 8 days of monitoring, completed over two 4-day blocks (weekdays, Monday-Friday) at the UQ St Lucia campus (Brisbane) - appointments are approximately 1 hour, and scheduled at approximately the same time each day.
Benefits of participating
- Participants who complete the 12-week study will receive a $100 gift card. You'll also receive information about your data and resources for low back pain management.
- Participants who complete the 8 days of intensive monitoring will receive a $200 gift card.
How to participate
If you meet the eligibility criteria and you're interested in participating, register your interest.
A member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study options and determine which study or studies you may be eligible for.
Ethics, data collection and privacy
This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2021_HE000576].
All data collected will remain confidential and stored securely in accordance with University guidelines.
Contact
If you have any questions email the research team: