Culturally tailored pain management for Black elders

Testing the Pain Relief of musculOskeletal Conditions and Arthritis Using Culturally Tailored InterVentions for Black Elders (PROACTIVE) Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Florida · NCT06512727

This study is testing a new pain management program designed specifically for Black elders with chronic pain to see if it helps them feel better and manage their pain more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 92 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Florida (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06512727 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to address chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) in Black elders by testing a culturally congruent pain self-management intervention. It will enroll 120 participants aged 50-92 who self-identify as Black or African American and experience CMP. The intervention includes education on pain self-management, a resource toolkit, active prayer skills, and financial counseling to help participants navigate their healthcare benefits. The primary outcome measured will be movement-evoked pain (MEP) over a 3-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or African American individuals aged 50-92 who report chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or African American or those outside the age range of 50-92 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for Black elders suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies addressing pain management in diverse populations, this culturally tailored approach specifically for Black elders is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Self-identify as being part of the Black American diaspora (Black/African American, Afro-Caribbean)
2. Age 50-92 years
3. Self-report chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) as defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting 6 months or longer that arises as part of a disease or injurious process directly affecting bone(s), joint(s), muscle(s), or related soft tissue(s)
4. Self-report a chronic musculoskeletal condition (e.g., osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain) in at least one lower extremity joint (hip, knee, low back, or ankle pain)
5. Report chronic musculoskeletal symptoms: aching, stiffness, or swelling in a major lower extremity joint or low back on most days (4-5/7) of the week
6. Have (or be eligible for) a healthcare insurance plan in the state of Florida (Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, etc.)
7. Able to read, write, and understand English at sixth-grade level

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwilling to be randomized to either study arm
2. Self-reported diagnosis of sickle cell disease or related thalassemias
3. History of major neurological event (e.g., stroke) or current neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy)
4. Major cardiovascular problem in the past 6 months that would cause shortness of breath and/or chest pain (e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, or valve replacement, pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis) or uncontrolled Hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) \> 170 mmHg, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) \> 90 mmHg) OR Hypotension (SBP \<90 mmHg, DBP \<60 mmHg)
5. Currently undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy or radiation for active cancer
6. Severe physical impairment (e.g., a major activity of daily living disability requiring use of wheelchair as primary method of mobility, or unable to dress, bath, use the toilet, or transfer independently)
7. Serious mental health disorder requiring hospitalization within past 12 months
8. Severe sensory deficit (severe hearing loss or blindness)

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Musculoskeletal Pain, Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritis, Pain, Chronic, Movement Evoked Pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, Black

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.