This is a randomized control trial of vertical climbing ergometer exercise for individuals with chronic low back pain. Using a parallel-arm design, participants will be randomized to 8 weeks of supervised exercise using either the vertical climbing ergometer (CLMBR) or a recumbent cycling ergometer. This feasibility study will examine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of vertical climbing exercise for individuals with chronic low back pain.

Inclusion criteria:

• Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
• Confirmed chronic (>12 weeks) low back pain at screening assessment (based on patient history)
• Ability to comply with the current Mount Sinai Health system COVID-19 requirements for research participants (e.g., vaccination, masks)

Exclusion criteria:

• Criteria will be evaluated during the clinical evaluation at the screening visit. All determinations will be the decision of the study physician:
• Less than 2/10 low back pain on 0-10 numeric rating scale for average pain over past 7 days at baseline assessment
• Any cardiovascular or musculoskeletal contraindication to exercise
• Impaired balance contraindicating exercise
• Known psychological illnesses or cognitive impairments contraindicating exercise or preventing the ability to complete study assessments
• Current pregnancy
• Current medications or new medications commenced that may impact the ability for change to be detected in study
• Any other contraindication in the opinion of the study physician

Data will only be shared upon reasonable request

The physician screening participants and the primary outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation