Understanding how older adults with pain can stay physically active
Official title: High physical activity in older adults with pain: behavioral and neural drivers of pain resilience
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11034060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some older adults with chronic pain can stay active and motivated despite their discomfort, and it hopes to find helpful strategies for those who have a harder time with pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 18, 2024 |
| Project end | January 17, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,320 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG085921-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why some older adults with chronic pain can maintain higher levels of physical activity despite their discomfort. It aims to explore the behavioral and neural factors that contribute to this resilience, focusing on motivation and brain activity. By examining the differences in motivation and neural responses between resilient and non-resilient older adults, the study seeks to identify potential strategies to help those struggling with pain. Participants may undergo assessments of their physical activity levels, pain characteristics, and motivational factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help older adults manage pain while staying active, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding resilience to pain in younger populations, but this approach in older adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witonsky, Kailyn Faye — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Witonsky, Kailyn Faye
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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.