Real-time assessment of chronic pain in young people using AI and wearable devices
Official title: Targeted Realtime Assessment of Chronic Pain (TRAC-Pain) in Youth
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11019526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to better understand and track chronic pain in young people using wearable devices and smart technology, so that we can get a clearer picture of how their pain and other symptoms change over time.
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 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,537,548 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3NS139943-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth under 21 years old who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those over the age of 21 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better assess chronic musculoskeletal pain in youth by utilizing wearable devices and artificial intelligence. It aims to develop a digital biosignature that captures the fluctuations in pain and related symptoms, such as fatigue and emotional distress, in real-time. By moving beyond traditional self-report methods, which can be burdensome and inaccurate, this approach seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each individual's pain experience. The study will involve a skilled team with expertise in digital technology, clinical trials, and the lived experiences of patients and caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and personalized pain management strategies for young people suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using wearable technology and AI for health monitoring, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
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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This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
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.