Purpose of the
study
Researchers are examining the benefits of Self Natural Posture Exercise (SNPE) on back pain. This is a new method of exercise involving for pain reduction that can be practiced anywhere, when equipped with portable belts and other tools.
RANDOM ASSIGNMENT
All participants invited to the study will have an equal chance of being randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to either face-to-face training (A) group or online training (B) group.
This study will be conducted at Billings Clinic or other suitable location in Billings, MT or at your home with mobile device or laptop. An eligibility screening process will consist of providing some information on current medical conditions and completing a questionnaire. This information will be reviewed by a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician. If you are eligible and agree to participate, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either you will receive face-to-face (FTF) training (A group) or online training (B group) in an exercise program. At the first visit you will be notified which group you are assigned.
You may ask any questions you have, be asked to complete the three type of questionnaires, undergo some non-invasive muscle and posture testing, have your height and weight measured, and have your pain threshold measured non-invasively at the first visit. This questionnaire and evaluation process will be called an “assessment.” The A group will be provided the necessary equipment and be given instructions to schedule their weekly training sessions. FTF training will take place at a Billings Clinic location in Billings or other suitable location within Billings. Each FTF session will be about 1.1 hours. Between FTF sessions, online materials will be available to refresh your knowledge. We will collect data about how often you do these exercises at home. After 12 FTF sessions (12 weeks) another assessment will be performed, and every 12 weeks afterward for a total of 4 assessments. The B group will start 12 weeks AFTER their first assessment (there is a 12-week waiting period). Then, they will be given the necessary equipment and access to online videos/materials to teach them in the exercise program. Aside from the training sessions being online, both groups will be treated the same.
The SNPE training involves special belts which act as braces to help you get into the right posture. Up to 4 belts are used, and are placed around the hips, around the thighs, below the knees, and above the ankles. Self-massage is part of the training and is done with SNPE equipment.
<Figure: Number of visits, time commitments, and detail>
A group: face-to-face exercise group
Exercise program - 2 times/week for 12 weeks
Assessments - 4 total, 12 weeks apart
B group: Online(Virtual) exercise group
Exercise program - 2 times/week for 12 weeks
Assessments - 4 total, 12 weeks apart
* Exercise schedule subject to change
If you are A group
If you are B group
Benefit and Incentives
At the end of the second and third assessments, every study participant regardless of group will receive of $50 gift card (total $100). If you continue to be enrolled in the study to its conclusion (after the 4th assessment), you may keep the equipment (about $200 value). If you wish to stop the study early, you must return the SNPE equipment you were given.
No direct medical benefit can be guaranteed as a result of participation in this study; however, our hope is that your pain will decrease with SNPE training. Further, you will be able to continue SNPE at home for as long as you like and continue to benefit from it. You will also help the research team understand the value of SNPE as a remedy for back pain, and guide further research into how to best apply it to patients.
