Beat Pain Better
Official title: Mountain West Arthritis Secondary Prevention Program - The Beat Pain Better Trial
Run by University of Utah · NCT06932887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests two ways of using text messages to invite adults 45+ with osteoarthritis to physical activity counseling and two formats of the Walk with Ease walking program to help them start and stick with self-management.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 346 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Utah Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Salt Lake City, Utah and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06932887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 45 or older with an OA diagnosis who visited a participating clinic recently, have a working cell phone, can walk at least five minutes, and can communicate in English or Spanish are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who cannot safely walk for five minutes, have a medical contraindication to exercise, lack a working cell phone, cannot communicate in English or Spanish, or are not patients of the participating Utah clinics are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial using sequential, multiple-assignment randomization to test outreach and engagement strategies for people with lower-extremity or spine osteoarthritis. Clinic EHRs identify eligible patients who are randomized to one of two text-message campaigns to invite them to physical-activity counseling delivered by physical therapists. Those who enroll and consent are further randomized to either a self-directed or an enhanced self-directed Walk with Ease format; primary outcome is reach of physical-activity counseling and secondary outcomes include Walk with Ease reach and measures across RE-AIM domains. Randomization is stratified by site and baseline activity, and participants must be 45+ with a working cell phone and the ability to walk at least five minutes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase how many people with osteoarthritis access and stay engaged in proven physical-activity and self-management programs, potentially reducing pain and improving function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown Walk with Ease and text-message outreach can improve engagement and activity in osteoarthritis, but using sequential multiple-assignment randomization to optimize both outreach and sustained engagement is a novel implementation approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 45 or older; 2. Visit in participating medical clinic within the past 6 months 3. OA diagnosis code related to lower extremity and/or spine on the problem list or associ¬ated with an encounter in the past 6 months 4. Has functioning cell phone able to receive calls and texts Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to participate in a regular walking program defined as the ability to walk for at least five minutes with or without the use of an assistive device. 2. Medical contraindication to participation in physical activity 3. Unable to communicate in either Spanish or English
Where it's running
-
Association for Utah Community Health
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting -
Vamos Health
West Valley City, Utah, United States Recruiting -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julie Fritz, PhD, PT
- Email: julie.fritz@utah.edu
- Phone: 801-587-2237
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.