NIH-funded research R01 grant

Mobile health program to reduce pain and boost function in older adults with knee/hip osteoarthritis

Official title: A Mobile Health Behavior Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health-III (MORPH-III)

Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-11394331 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A remotely delivered program helps adults 65+ who have knee or hip osteoarthritis reduce pain and improve daily function by promoting more activity and better weight management.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,112,096
NIH project number5R01AG082777-03
Project IDNIH-11394331 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Older adults (65+) with chronic knee or hip osteoarthritis and related pain who can participate in a remote, group-based program.

Less likely to help

Individuals unable to participate remotely or with contraindications to increased physical activity may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project tests a six-month, remotely delivered group program that combines daylong movement with weight loss strategies. It uses social support and self-determination theory to help participants increase daily steps in short bouts and improve diet quality. The goal is to reduce pain interference, promote weight loss, and improve physical function in older adults with chronic knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce pain and improve daily functioning for many older adults with osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary small studies showed feasibility and potential benefits for similar remote, movement- and diet-focused interventions.

Where this research is happening

  • Wake Forest University
    Winston-Salem, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fanning, Jason — Wake Forest University
  • Study coordinator: Fanning, Jason

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.