Mindfulness interventions for military patients after knee surgery

SMART Embedded Intervention for Military Postsurgical Engagement Readiness

Not applicable Interventional University of Utah · NCT05050409

This study tests if mindfulness programs can help military patients recover better after knee surgery and reduce their need for pain medication.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fort Sam Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05050409 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to optimize the use of mindfulness-based interventions for military patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It will evaluate the effectiveness of a brief preoperative mindfulness session and an intensive 8-week mindfulness program in improving postoperative musculoskeletal health and reducing chronic opioid use. The study will also identify patient characteristics that influence the effectiveness of these interventions. Conducted across multiple Military Health System sites, it seeks to enhance recovery outcomes for TKA patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are military personnel scheduled for unilateral total knee arthroplasty who are TRICARE beneficiaries.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, recent contralateral knee surgeries, or current cancer diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve recovery and reduce opioid dependence for military patients after knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness interventions for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled to undergo unilateral total TKA at one of the study sites
* TRICARE beneficiary
* Facility with the English language that is adequate to complete study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment preventing completion of study procedures,
* Formal mindfulness training (e.g., MBSR, MBCT)
* Severe, active suicidality
* Contralateral TKA in the past 3 months or planned contralateral TKA during the study
* Current cancer diagnoses.

Where this trial is running

Fort Sam Houston, Texas

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.
Conditions Knee Pain Chronic
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.