Real-time assessment of chronic pain in young people using AI and wearable devices

Targeted Realtime Assessment of Chronic Pain (TRAC-Pain) in Youth

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11019526

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11019526 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth under 21 years old who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those over the age of 21 may not receive benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.