CO-BACK STUDY V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CO-BACK STUDY. Co-producing a culturally informed intervention for chronic low back pain.
IRAS ID
358287
Contact name
Dore Young
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. In the UK, it accounts for a large number of GP and community healthcare appointments. When back pain lasts longer than three months, it is called chronic low back pain. Living with chronic pain can affect physical health, mental wellbeing, daily activities and quality of life.
Research shows that people from diverse backgrounds are more likely to experience persistent pain and may face barriers when accessing physiotherapy and other healthcare services. Cultural background, ethnicity, religious beliefs and language can influence how people understand and manage pain, and how they experience healthcare. However, these factors are not well represented in current physiotherapy research or treatment guidance.
This PhD study aims to work with people with lived experience of chronic low back pain and with healthcare professionals to develop a culturally informed physiotherapy approach. Adults with chronic low back pain will be invited to take part from NHS physiotherapy services within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. People who work in health and social care will also be invited to participate in professional focus groups.
The study will take place in stages. First,focus groups with people with lived experience will explore experiences of pain, healthcare and physiotherapy. Second, a focus group with healthcare professionals will explore challenges in delivering inclusive care. Third, co design workshops will bring both groups together to develop an improved physiotherapy approach. A patient and public involvement group will support the study throughout.
The prototype treatment programme will then be tested to assess whether it is feasible to deliver and acceptable to people with chronic low back pain and healthcare professionals.
Findings will be shared in professional journals, conferences, and via an animation of the findings.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0067
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion