Using acupuncture and relaxation techniques to manage chronic pain in sickle cell disease
Official title: Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Guided Relaxation and Acupuncture for Chronic Sickle Cell Disease Pain
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10920375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well acupuncture and relaxation techniques can help people with sickle cell disease manage their chronic pain, and it will involve 360 patients to see how these treatments can fit into regular healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 21, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,584,065 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3AT011265-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture and guided relaxation techniques in managing chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). It involves a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial that will assess these interventions in 360 patients across three health systems. The study aims to gather data on how well these alternative therapies work while also examining how they can be effectively integrated into existing healthcare practices. Patients will receive personalized treatment plans that incorporate these complementary therapies to help alleviate their pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with effective non-opioid options for managing chronic pain, reducing reliance on prescription opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using acupuncture and relaxation techniques for pain management, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doorenbos, Ardith Z — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Doorenbos, Ardith Z
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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.