Effectiveness of resistance training and pain reprocessing therapy in female flight attendants with chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: This study protocol presents the design of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of an 8-week multimodal intervention including resistance training alone versus combined resistance training with motor skills training and pain reprocessing therapy on lumbar range of motion (ROM), pain, mental well-being in female flight attendants aged between 20 and 40 years with chronic low back pain (LBP). PATIENT AND METHODS: Based on findings from an a priori power analysis, a total of 60 flight attendants diagnosed with LBP will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups: (1) resistance training alone, (2) resistance training combined with motor skill exercises, (3) resistance training with pain reprocessing therapy, (4) resistance training with motor skill exercises and pain reprocessing therapy. Participants will be assessed at baseline, after 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 3 months post-intervention (follow-up, detraining). RESULTS: This randomized controlled trial will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of resistance training alone and in combination with motor skills training and pain reprocessing therapy for managing chronic low back pain in flight attendants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may help researchers and physiotherapy practitioners to improve clinical outcomes in female flight attendants with LBP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The http://www.irct.ir/ identifier is IRCT20220804055617N1 (Registration date 2022-12-17).