Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain

MOBACT: An Internet-Based Guided Self-Help Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

This program tests an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) course to see if it helps adults with chronic pain manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Academic / other)
• Locations: 4 sites (Bologna and 3 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07270588 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional program delivers an internet-based ACT psychological intervention to adults with chronic pain using web modules and remote support. Participants must be 18 or older, have a verified chronic pain diagnosis of at least three months, be fluent in Italian, and have internet access and basic computer skills. The trial excludes people currently in psychological pain treatment or with severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders, and outcomes will focus on pain-related distress, daily functioning, and quality of life using standardized self-report measures. The intervention is delivered remotely through participating Italian centers in Bologna, Milan, and Verona, with collaboration from academic and clinical partners.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a verified chronic pain condition lasting at least three months, fluent in Italian, with internet access and basic computer literacy, who are not currently receiving psychological pain treatment and have no severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders.

Not a fit: People with severe psychiatric illnesses, cognitive impairment, high suicide risk, or who are currently undergoing psychological pain treatment, as well as those without internet access or adequate computer skills, are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer an accessible online therapy that reduces pain-related distress and improves daily functioning for adults with chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous web-based ACT and other internet psychological programs for chronic pain have shown promising but mixed results, suggesting benefit for pain-related distress and function in some trials but calling for more rigorous replication.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 18 years or older;
2. A verifiable medical diagnosis of Chronic Pain (duration ≥ 3 months);
3. Internet access;
4. Sufficient computer and internet literacy;
5. Fluent knowledge of the Italian language.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current participation in psychological or psychotherapeutic treatments for chronic pain management;
2. High risk of suicide;
3. Cognitive impairments;
4. Presence of certified psychiatric disorders, such as:

   1. Psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, etc.);
   2. Bipolar disorder (unstabilized manic or hypomanic episodes);
   3. Severe depressive disorders (e.g., major depression, suicidal intent, or recent suicide attempts);
   4. Severe personality disorders that impair the ability to carry out daily activities (e.g., work, self-care);
   5. Cognitive or neurodegenerative disorders.

Where this trial is running

Bologna and 3 other locations

• Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna — Bologna, Italy (Recruiting)
• Catholic University of Sacred Heart — Milan, Italy (Recruiting)
• University of Verona — Verona, Italy (Recruiting)
• University of Linkoping — Linköping, Sweden (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gianluca Castelnuovo, Ph.D. — Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Milan
• Study coordinator: Michelle Semonella

Conditions Chronic Pain; Internet-based intervention; clinical psychology; acceptance and commitment therapy