Low versus High Intensity CPPP v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparative evaluation of Low versus High Intensity delivery models of combined physical and psychological programmes for low back pain.
IRAS ID
367264
Contact name
Cormac G Ryan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Back pain affects up to 80% of people in the UK. With a high rate of NHS consultations and work absence, back pain costs the UK over £10 billion a year. Most people recover within 6 weeks. However, for a significant minority, their pain becomes persistent and disabling. In 2019 the NHS introduced the National Back Pain and Sciatica Pathway which identifies those most likely to become disabled and ensures they receive the right level of treatment. The Pathway includes a Combined Physical and Psychological Programme (CPPP) specifically for those at most risk of becoming disabled. CPPP combines physiotherapy, education, and psychological support. Across the NHS what treatments CPPPs include, how, by whom and where they are delivered varies greatly. In some places patients are treated as outpatients in the hospital - a non-residential environment. In others, patients stay together living in a hotel - a residential environment.
This research will compare two types of CPPP currently delivered in the North East of England - one service is a high intensity residential programme, lasting 100 hours, and one is an out-patient based programme of 12-14 hours duration. We will collect data and compare, both service's long-term impacts upon work and health related outcomes using - questionnaires completed by patients discharged from both services between Oct 2022 and 2025, and brief interviews with some previous and current patients to not only broaden the insights gained but to inform and ensure real-world applicability of any study recommendations.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SW/0004
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion