Combining mindfulness and acupuncture to improve recovery after spine surgery
Official title: Feasibility Trial of a Novel Integrated Mindfulness and Acupuncture Program to Improve Outcomes after Spine Surgery (I-MASS)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10989952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people recovering from spine surgery by combining mindfulness exercises from a mobile app with ear acupuncture to see if it can better manage pain and reduce the need for pain medication compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AT012082-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are scheduled to undergo spine surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing spine surgery or those with contraindications to acupuncture may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach that integrates mindfulness practices delivered through a mobile app with auricular acupuncture for patients recovering from spine surgery. The goal is to assess how this combined method can help manage pain and reduce the risk of persistent pain and opioid use after surgery. Patients will be compared against those receiving standard medical care to evaluate the effectiveness of this multimodal treatment. The study aims to address the complex factors contributing to pain and recovery in a holistic manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for similar multimodal approaches combining mindfulness and acupuncture in pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lentz, Trevor — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lentz, Trevor
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.