Using acupressure to help manage chronic pain in rural areas
Official title: Personalized Auricular Point Acupressure for Chronic Pain Self-Management in Rural Populations
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10748756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful program that teaches people in rural areas how to use a smartphone app to manage their chronic pain through acupressure, making it easier for them to take control of their pain even if they have limited access to healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $817,483 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3AT012728-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10748756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older living in rural areas who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not reside in rural areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a program that teaches patients in rural communities how to use auricular point acupressure for self-management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The program includes a smartphone app that guides patients in self-administering acupressure techniques, allowing them to monitor their pain and progress in real-time. By focusing on rural populations, the research aims to improve access to effective pain management strategies for individuals who may have limited resources or face challenges in accessing specialty care. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in real-world settings across Texas and South Carolina.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients to manage their chronic pain more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for acupressure techniques in pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kawi, Jennifer — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kawi, Jennifer
Related research
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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.