Improving physical activity and mental health in older veterans with pain and depression
Official title: MOTIVATE to Improve Outcomes for Older Veterans with Musculoskeletal Pain and Depression
Funded at VA North Texas Health Care System · NIH-11006245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special program called MOTIVATE can help older veterans who are dealing with pain and depression by encouraging them to be more active and set personal goals, all with the support of a health coach over 12 weeks, to help them feel better and enjoy life more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA North Texas Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003350-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have musculoskeletal pain or depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on older veterans suffering from musculoskeletal pain and depression, aiming to enhance their quality of life through a behavioral intervention called MOTIVATE. The program utilizes motivational interviewing, goal setting, and patient activation techniques delivered by a health coach via telephone or video over 12 weeks. By encouraging physical activity, the intervention seeks to alleviate pain and depressive symptoms, ultimately improving overall function and well-being. Preliminary results indicate that this approach is feasible and beneficial for participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the physical and mental health of older veterans, leading to better management of pain and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar behavioral interventions targeting pain and depression in older adults, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makris, Una E. — VA North Texas Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Makris, Una E.
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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.