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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
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Improving multimodal physical function in adults with heterogeneous chronic pain; Protocol for a multisite
Julia E Hooker1, Julie R Brewer2, Katherine A McDermott1
1Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
Contemporary Clinical Trials
|January 29, 2024
Summary
This study is testing a mind-body program for chronic pain patients to improve physical function across diverse groups. Results will guide a larger trial on this feasible and acceptable intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Chronic pain significantly impairs physical function, a major patient concern.
- The GetActive-Fitbit program shows promise for improving physical function in sedentary individuals with pain.
- Multisite feasibility is crucial for diverse populations before a large-scale efficacy trial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test multisite fidelity of clinician training for the GetActive-Fitbit program.
- To evaluate recruitment benchmarks for diverse chronic pain patients, including minorities and those with low step counts.
- To optimize the study protocol for a future multisite efficacy trial.
Main Methods:
- A multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing GetActive-Fitbit with a Healthy Living for Pain control group.
- Assessment of clinician training fidelity through roleplays and mock sessions.
- Evaluation of feasibility (recruitment, acceptability, adherence) and multimodal physical function at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- The trial is ongoing with clinician training complete.
- 87 participants recruited; 54 completed baseline, 44 are mid-intervention, and 9 completed the intervention.
- Data collection is in progress to assess feasibility and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- This study is vital for developing feasible and acceptable mind-body interventions for diverse chronic pain populations.
- Findings will inform the design of a future large-scale multisite efficacy trial.
- Optimizing the protocol ensures readiness for robust clinical trials.
