Mind-body approach for treating chronic upper extremity pain
Mind Body Intervention for Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (Repetitive Stress Injury)
This study is testing a mind-body program to see if it can help people with chronic upper arm and hand pain feel better and improve how well they can use their arms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06903962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mind-body intervention for individuals suffering from chronic upper extremity pain, specifically targeting conditions like repetitive stress injury. The study will assess improvements in functional capacity using the Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) score, as well as reductions in pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, and overall somatic complaints. Participants will engage in tailored mind-body techniques designed to address their specific pain experiences and disabilities. The study will also refine the intervention and outcome assessment methods for future trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with chronic upper extremity pain and a disability score of 40 or higher on the QuickDASH survey.
Not a fit: Patients with clear organic diagnoses of pain, cognitive impairments, or major psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic upper extremity pain by enhancing their functional capacity and reducing pain.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar mind-body interventions have shown promise in managing chronic pain, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult (≥ 18 years of age) 2. A disability score ≥ 40 as per the QuickDASH survey 3. Presence of pain and perceived disability for a minimum of 3 months 4. Willing to engage in a Mind-Body intervention 5. Positive visualization test (onset of pain when patients visualize themselves performing tasks that generally bring on pain) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clear organic diagnosis of pain (e.g., cancer, infection, etc…) not inclusive of non-specific findings on imaging studies (e.g., mild arthritis) 2. Age greater than 60 years (due to an increased risk of there being an organic/physical cause for their pain and confounding results) 3. Diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia 4. Active addiction disorder, e.g. cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interfere with study participation 5. Major psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., schizophrenia). Anxiety and mild-moderate depression are not considered in this category
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Donnino, MD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ashley Scafetta
- Email: ascafett@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-754-2882
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.