Personalized multicomponent therapy for chronic low back pain using smart patient-based algorithms
Official title: A SMART design study using patient-based algorithms for multicomponent therapy in chronic low back pain and beyond
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11418354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A U-Michigan-led effort tests a personalized approach to chronic low back pain by tailoring several treatments to individual patients using smart, data-driven decision rules.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,976,966 |
| NIH project number | 5UC2AR086182-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic low back pain who are seeking personalized treatment options and are eligible for a multi-component therapy program guided by smart algorithms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit include those not experiencing chronic back pain or those unable to participate in multi-component therapy due to medical or logistical reasons.
What this research studies
This project applies a SMART design to figure out which combination of therapies works best for each person with chronic low back pain. It focuses on matching treatments to patient factors like demographics, social context, cognitive and emotional aspects, and pain mechanisms to improve outcomes. The study builds on years of work within the Back Pain Consortium to create a personalized medicine approach that guides which therapies a patient should try first, second, and beyond. Participants will contribute data that helps refine algorithms used to predict effective treatment paths. The overall aim is to transform how chronic pain is understood, assessed, and treated so that more patients experience meaningful relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, customized pain management plans that improve function and reduce suffering.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in SMART designs and personalized pain management has shown promise in tailoring therapies, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving predictive accuracy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clauw, Daniel J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Clauw, Daniel J
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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.