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Table 2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

From: Effectiveness of motor control exercise, aerobic walking, and muscle strengthening programs in improving outcomes in a subgroup of population with chronic low back pain positive for central sensitization: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Inclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria

• Persons between 18 and 59 years of age

• CLBP of more than 3 months duration

• Pain intensity of more than 4 on the NPRS

• Clear mechanical basis of the symptoms

• Positive for CS-related sign and symptoms

• Cognitively intact [Mini-Mental State Examination score > 24]

• Basic working knowledge of English language

• Attributable to a recognizable, known specific pathology (e.g., infection, tumor, osteoporosis, fracture, structural deformity, inflammatory disorder (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis) or cauda equina syndrome)

• Participants who are contra-indicated to participate in physical activity

• Participants who have undertaken any surgical procedures to spine or suffering from symptomatic spine diseases

• Participants, who report acute pain within 48 h prior to the appointment

• No corticosteroids or other drug therapy in the preceding 2 weeks

• Participants suffering from any other chronic pain condition, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s disease, frostbite, any open cut, sore, or bone fracture, other major illness such as cancer, visual and/or hearing impairment, and psychiatric disorders

• Presence of clinical signs or symptoms of radiculopathy