Understanding how psychological factors influence the transition from acute to chronic pain after injuries.
Official title: An in-depth Examination of the Psychological Processes involved in the Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain after a Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injury
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10758847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how thoughts and feelings can affect whether someone with a painful injury, like from a car accident, ends up with long-lasting pain, and it will involve 200 patients over three months to find ways to help prevent that from happening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $123,254 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR073300-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic musculoskeletal injury, particularly from motor vehicle accidents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions unrelated to recent traumatic injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychological processes that may contribute to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain in patients who have suffered traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. By examining factors such as maladaptive cognitive-behavioral strategies and emotional distress, the study aims to identify key moments when these psychological factors influence pain outcomes. The research will involve a cohort of 200 motor vehicle crash patients, collecting data on their pain levels and psychological states over a three-month period. This approach seeks to uncover potential targets for interventions that could prevent chronic pain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing chronic pain in patients recovering from traumatic injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing psychological factors can be effective in managing pain outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pacella, Maria Lynn — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pacella, Maria Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How neighborhood problems and social stress affect chronic pain in older adults
This project looks at whether problems in the places people live and difficult social relationships make chronic pain worse for older adults.
-
Group video therapy for older Veterans with chronic pain
This project compares three types of group video therapy—emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain, and mindfulness tailored for pain—for older Veterans living with chronic pain.
-
Using mind-body techniques to help treat chronic pain and mental health issues.
This study is looking at how a special program called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) can help Veterans with chronic pain who also deal with anxiety and depression, comparing it to a health education program to see which one helps them feel better overall.
-
Developing a mobile app to help young adults manage chronic pain.
This study is testing a new mobile app designed to give young adults with chronic pain personalized support based on their daily experiences, helping them manage their pain better and feel more understood.
-
Testing group-based psychological treatments for older veterans with chronic pain via video calls
This study is looking at how well different online therapy options can help older veterans with chronic pain, comparing three types of treatments to see which one works best and how they can improve access to care.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
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.