Single-session CBT, PRT, or EAET for chronic musculoskeletal pain
Comparing a Single-Session of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy for Chronic Pain
This trial tests whether a single 90-minute session of CBT, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), or Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) reduces pain and improves mood for adults in the U.S. with chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with no treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07008105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain will be randomized to a single 90-minute session of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), or a no-treatment control. Pain and mood will be measured at baseline, immediately after the session, and at 1-week and 4-week follow-ups. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to manage pain, while PRT and EAET are newer approaches that target fear-related neural sensitization and emotional processes that may maintain pain. The trial enrolls English-speaking U.S. adults with persistent musculoskeletal pain and requires internet access and willingness to be randomized.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in the United States with musculoskeletal pain for at least 3 months who report recent pain intensity and interference ≥3, are fluent in English, have internet access and a device, can attend one 90-minute session, and are willing to be randomized.
Not a fit: People with recent or active serious medical or psychiatric conditions excluded from the study (for example complex regional pain syndrome, epilepsy, major autoimmune or heart disease, cancer, active substance dependence, psychotic or bipolar disorders, recent suicide risk, those awaiting major surgery, or those pursuing litigation for pain), and those without internet or not seeking psychological therapy may not receive benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a single 90-minute psychological session could provide a quick, low-cost way to reduce pain and improve daily functioning for many people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
How similar studies have performed: CBT has an established evidence base for chronic pain and early work suggests some single-session formats and PRT/EAET can reduce pain, but direct head-to-head comparisons of these single-session therapies are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pain for at least 3 months and experienced 4 or more days/week for the past 6 months * Pain intensity last week is \>= 3 (0 to 10 rating scale) * Pain interference last week is \>= 3 (0 to 10 rating scale) * At least age 18 * Lives in United States * Fluent in English * Has personal computer/tablet and internet access * Able to attend one 90-minute session * Willing to be randomized * Seeking to improve their pain-related status via a psychological therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Past 2 years (treated for or having experienced): * Complex regional pain syndrome * Epilepsy/seizure disorder * Autoimmune disease * Liver disease * Cancer * Heart disease * Substance dependence or use disorder * Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder * Bipolar disorder * Obsessive-compulsive disorder * Borderline personality disorder * Suicide attempt or suicide intention or impulse * Major medical procedure scheduled within next 2 months * Applied for/ litigating for pain-related disability/worker's compensation (past year). * Major life event/stressor in past 6 months * Cognitive impairment (screener score \<=4)
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- Wayne State University — Detroit, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mark A Lumley, PhD
- Email: mlumley@wayne.edu
- Phone: 313-577-2247
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.