A Web-Based Mind-Body Intervention to Improve Resilience Among Patients With Nontraumatic Painful Upper-Extremity
Nadine Levey1, Neal Chen2,3, Joseph Ditre4
1Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
JMIR Research Protocols
|December 9, 2024
Summary
This study develops and tests Web-TIRELESS, a web-based mind-body program for chronic upper-extremity pain and substance use. The intervention aims to improve coping behaviors and resilience in affected adults.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Behavioral Health
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Nontraumatic painful upper-extremity conditions (NPUCs) are common, age-related issues affecting many adults.
- A significant portion of individuals with NPUCs seeking care also exhibit risky substance use, exacerbating pain and distress.
- Risky substance use is a critical factor in chronic pain disability and comorbid mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop, adapt, and assess the feasibility of the Web-Based Toolkit for Resilient Life Beyond Pain and Substance Use (Web-TIRELESS).
- Web-TIRELESS is a novel, asynchronous, web-based mind-body intervention designed to modify maladaptive pain-coping behaviors.
- The study aims to refine intervention content and study procedures based on participant feedback and feasibility assessments.
Main Methods:
- Aim 1: Qualitative interviews with 20 patients with NPUC and risky substance use to inform intervention development.
- Aim 2: An open pilot study of Web-TIRELESS with 12 participants to evaluate feasibility, credibility, and acceptability.
- Aim 3: A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing Web-TIRELESS to enhanced usual care in 50 participants to assess recruitment and data collection feasibility.
Main Results:
- Qualitative analysis of patient interviews (Aim 1) is expected by September 2024.
- Data collection and analysis for the open pilot study (Aim 2) are anticipated by June 2025.
- The pilot randomized controlled trial (Aim 3) and study completion are projected by June 2027.
Conclusions:
- Web-TIRELESS is the first asynchronous mind-body intervention tailored for NPUCs with comorbid risky substance use.
- The study will provide crucial data on the feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction of Web-TIRELESS.
- Findings will guide a future efficacy randomized controlled trial to establish Web-TIRELESS's effectiveness.
