Expressive Art Therapy for Elder Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Use of Supervised Group Art Therapy Among Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Feasibility, Potential Efficacy, and Participant Experiences
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
30 participants
Aug 2, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Summary
This research project aims to assess the feasibility of expressive art therapy for elderly adults with chronic low back pain and to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of combining art therapy with exercise intervention. Additionally, the study will investigate facilitators and barriers to participation. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative semi-structured focus group discussions. The questionnaire will examine physical, functional, and psychological changes potentially influenced by art therapy, while the focus groups will provide in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perceptions of the combined intervention.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- aged 60 years and above
- currently experiencing non-specific low back pain for at least three months
- who have sought medical treatment for CLBP
- can read and write in Traditional Chinese
- MoCA-5 of 18 or above
Exclusion Criteria6
- malignant pain
- lumbar spinal stenosis
- confirmed dementia
- severe cognitive impairment
- serious major medical or psychiatric disorders
- currently receiving physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological treatments
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Interventions
The intervention program consists of one hour of expressive art intervention followed by one hour of exercise training. Art therapy sessions will be conducted in small groups of eight participants, facilitated by a part-time registered expressive art therapist. Each session begins with a 5-minute introduction and check-in, welcoming participants and encouraging them to share their current status. This is followed by a 10-minute mindfulness exercise designed to center participants and promote relaxation, preparing them for the creative activities ahead. The core of each session features a 20-minute art-making process focused on specific themes that guide participants in exploring their pain and personal narratives.
each one-hour session in the exercise control group will involve progressive back and general reconditioning exercises, along with back care education to support self-management of LBP.
Locations(1)
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NCT07141082