University of Sydney
This study aims to find out which lifestyle approach works best for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain or hip/knee osteoarthritis) who also have poor sleep. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three 12-month home-based programs: exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or a combination of both. Each program includes up to 10 online sessions with a physiotherapist and guidance on managing pain, sleep, and physical activity. We will measure changes in pain, sleep quality, and overall health using questionnaires, wearable devices, sensory tests, and blood samples. The goal is to improve understanding of non-medication treatments for pain and sleep problems.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, is common and often associated with poor sleep, reduced function, and lower quality of life. Lifestyle factors like exercise and sleep management can influence pain and well-being, but it is unclear which approach works best for people with both chronic pain and sleep problems. This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of three 12-month home-based lifestyle interventions: Exercise program Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Combination of exercise and CBT-I Particip…
INCLUSION CRITERIA Participants will be included if they have persistent LBP defined as i) age ≥18 years; ii) sought or seriously considered care from a primary care clinician or specialist for their LBP within the past 6 weeks; iii) have at least moderate LBP-related interference with normal work or daily activity (including both work outside the home and housework), as assessed by item 8 of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey OR hip or knee OA defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as: i) age ≥45 years; ii) activity-related hip or knee joint pain; and iii) no morni…
This intervention consists of a structured, individualised aerobic physical activity program delivered via videoconferencing by a physiotherapist. The program focuses exclusively on aerobic-based activities and does not include any sleep-specific or cognitive behavioural components. Exercise prescription will be tailored and progressively adjusted based on participant tolerance, goals, and clinical guidelines.
This intervention consists of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) delivered via videoconferencing by a physiotherapist trained in CBT-I principles. The program targets sleep-related behaviours and cognitions using evidence-based CBT-I strategies, including sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and sleep hygiene education. No structured physical activity or exercise prescription is included.
This intervention integrates both a structured aerobic physical activity program and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) within the same physiotherapist-delivered videoconferencing consultations. Participants receive both aerobic physical activity alongside CBT-I strategies targeting sleep behaviours and cognitions. The combined intervention delivers both components concurrently and differs from the single-component interventions by addressing physical aerobic activity and sleep within an integrated treatment framework.