The impact of chronic low back pain on older adults and their spousal caregivers
Diverging Effects of Closeness in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain and Spousal Caregivers
This study looks at how living with chronic low back pain impacts older adults and their spouses, focusing on the emotional and physical challenges faced by caregivers, and it involves tracking their daily experiences over a month and checking in with them every six months for two years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10760311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic low back pain affects older adults and their spouses, focusing on the emotional and physical toll on caregivers. It involves tracking the daily experiences of 144 older adults with chronic pain and their spouses over a 30-day period using tablet computers, along with in-person interviews and assessments every six months for two years. The study aims to understand the relationship dynamics and how the severity of pain influences caregiver distress and coping mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing chronic low back pain and their spousal caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic low back pain or are not in a caregiving relationship may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support strategies for caregivers of older adults with chronic pain, enhancing their well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that caregiver well-being is significantly impacted by the health of their partners, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martire, Lynn M. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Martire, Lynn M.
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 below.