NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

Official title: Whole Person Pain Algorithm (WPPA): A clinically informed, evidence-based model explaining chronic pain heterogeneity and advancing assessment, therapeutic development, and personalized management

Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11609318 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$319,231
NIH project number1R56AT013573-01
Project IDNIH-11609318 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with chronic low back pain, with or without co-occurring pain conditions, who are seeking personalized pain management.

Less likely to help

Individuals without chronic pain or those not involved in pain management research may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to refine a clinically informed algorithm that captures differences in chronic low back pain among adults, including those with multiple pain conditions. It will create a practical, replicable tool to describe how individual factors influence pain and function. The study will test the algorithm across different chronic musculoskeletal pain populations to see how well it applies beyond back pain. The goal is to use these insights to tailor assessments and guide future therapies and management strategies for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate assessments and personalized treatment plans for chronic pain.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown promise in using comprehensive models to understand pain heterogeneity, but this approach is novel in its practical clinical application.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Florida
    Gainesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sibille, Kimberly Theresa — University of Florida
  • Study coordinator: Sibille, Kimberly Theresa

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.