pain sufferers

are needed

BACK-PAIN specialist Suzie Kennedy wants more volunteers for her world-first study into lower-back pain.

Mrs Kennedy, who manages the Emu Plains health studio Pilates Works, and exercise physiologist Cristy Brooks are working with the University of Western Sydney on investigating the causes of lower-back pain.

Last month the Penrith Star publicised their work.

"Since then we've had more than 100 people contact us," Mrs Kennedy said.

"We've selected 47 of the 60 volunteers we need — a lot didn't meet the criteria or were unable to make the time."

She said 60 patients were needed to make the study scientifically valid.

She also said she was shocked at discovering that there were so many people who suffered from chronic back pain.

"Those who couldn't make the trial have been offered free treatment," Mrs Kennedy said.

"How in all conscience could I have refused to treat them?"

Volunteer details: 4727 7710 or 0410 651 191.