Welcome to the website for the BOOST trial. This site is designed for both patients who are interested in participating in BOOST and clinicians and researchers who are involved in delivering the BOOST trial. In the BOOST trial we are studying two different approaches to physiotherapy treatment for older people with back and leg pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis. We aimed to recruit over 400 people aged 65 years and over, from across England. The BOOST trial is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and is part of a wider programme of research looking at pain and physical activity in older people. We hope that you find the information you are looking for here on the website. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with the BOOST team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

The BOOST trial is looking into different physiotherapy treatments for people who suffer back and leg pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis. We aimed to recruit over 400 patients from across England to participate. Read more information about the trial and what is involved.

We are working with a number of physiotherapy teams in NHS hospitals across England to deliver the BOOST trial to patients in these areas. See information about the trial specifically for clinicians and research clinicians.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is an age-related narrowing of the spinal canal which places pressure on the nerves and blood vessels causing pain, weakness, numbness, tingling or cramping of the lower back, buttocks or legs. This condition affects older people and limits their ability to walk and stand which impacts on their ability to remain independent.