Mindfulness plus AI to personalize care for chronic low back pain
IMPACT: Integrative Mindfulness-Based Predictive Approach for Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE · NIH-10992095
Using AI and wearable and survey data to find which adults with chronic low back pain are likely to benefit from a mindfulness-based program.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10992095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a program that delivers Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for chronic low back pain while researchers collect sleep, activity, heart rate variability, mood, pain, and social support data over time. The team will start with a smaller group (about 50 people) and then expand to a larger sample (target nā350) to build and test machine learning models that predict who improves with MBSR. Data will come from wearable monitors, questionnaires, and clinical visits to track changes during and after the program. The goal is to use those measurements to guide future choices about non-drug pain care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with chronic low back pain who can attend MBSR sessions, use wearable monitors, and complete questionnaires are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without chronic low back pain, those unable to participate in MBSR classes or wear monitoring devices, or those with conditions that prevent safe participation may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could help match people with chronic low back pain to mindfulness therapy that is most likely to help them and avoid treatments that won't.
How similar studies have performed: Mindfulness programs have helped some people with chronic back pain, but using AI on wearables and biopsychosocial data to predict individual response is a newer and still emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KING, JEAN A ā WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: KING, JEAN A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project ā 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 below.