GET SMART: Tailored graded exposure for kids with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Official title: GET SMART: A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial of Graded Exposure Treatmentfor Youth with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11363104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site trial tests a stepwise, personalized exposure-based therapy for children with long-standing musculoskeletal pain and their families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $446,303 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3AR086474-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11363104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain and their caregivers who are willing to participate in a graded exposure treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Children with chronic MSK pain who cannot participate in exposure-based therapy or have contraindicating conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
Many young children suffer chronic musculoskeletal pain that disrupts daily life, school, and wellbeing. This study tests GET Living, a combined psychology and physical therapy program that gradually exposes kids to activities they avoid, with dosing adjusted based on each child’s response. The trial uses a SMART design to tailor treatment intensity over time, aiming to improve function and reduce pain-related fear. If successful, this approach could offer a more personalized path to better functioning for youth and relief for families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children may experience less pain-related limitation and better participation in school and activities.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary trials show that graded exposure can reduce pain-related fear and improve function in youth with MSK pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simons, Laura E — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Simons, Laura E
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.