Strength and Pain-Coping Through Resilience and Knowledge for Older Adults
Official title: Strength and Pain-Coping Through Resilience and Knowledge
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT07228520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The SPARK program tests a home-based, nurse-delivered intervention to help adults 50 and older with pain, depressive symptoms, and mobility limits see if their pain and mood improve.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07228520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Community-dwelling adults aged 50 and older in Central Maryland who have persistent pain, depressive symptoms, and mobility limitations, and are pre-frail or frail.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without significant pain interference or depressive symptoms, or those not meeting frailty criteria, may receive little or no benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
SPARK is a home-based behavioral program delivered by nurses to community-dwelling older adults with mobility challenges. It consists of eight weekly 1:1 nurse visits focusing on goal-directed care, pain and mood self-management, and coordination with local resources. The goal is to reduce pain interference with daily activities and lower depressive symptoms, improving overall function and well-being. The study uses the Neighborhood Nursing model to bring care directly to participants’ homes in Central Maryland. Eligibility targets adults 50+ with significant pain, depressive symptoms, a pre-frail or frail status, and at least one ADL/IADL limitation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience less pain interference and improved mood, potentially enhancing daily functioning and independence.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in similar home-based, nurse-delivered behavioral programs have shown improvements in pain interference and mood in older adults; this study builds on that approach for a targeted, regional population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-report pain \>3 out of a 0 -10 scale that has lasted longer than 3 months and keeps subjects from doing at least one activity that subjects would like to do * Live in the community * Live in Central Maryland * Score a 5 or higher on the PHQ-9 (depression measure) at least two times during a two week period (screening call and then at first data collection visit) * Must be pre-frail (one or two criteria on frailty phenotype) or frail (three or more of the criteria on frailty phenotype) * One ADL or IADL limitation Exclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized \> 3 times in the last year * Participating in physical therapy * Have a terminal diagnosis (\<1 year expected survival) * \> moderate intellectual impairment (5-7 errors) based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) * Unable to speak or understand English
Where it's running
-
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Janiece L Taylor, PhD — Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Janiece Taylor, PhD
- Email: jwalke90@jhu.edu
- Phone: 443-287-4503
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Aquatic power training dosing strategies and creatine in older adults
This trial tests whether different aquatic power training dosing methods and creatine supplementation help improve function in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older.
-
Intergenerational Interaction Program for Nursing Home Residents and Nursing Students
A 6-week program pairs nursing home residents with nursing students to see if weekly joint activities can increase joy and reduce loneliness for older adults and lessen ageism in students.
-
Supplemental Mobility for older adults in skilled nursing facilities
This pilot tests whether adding a mobility aide to support walking and transfers alongside regular rehab helps older adults in SNFs after hospitalization see more daily activity and safer mobility.
-
Smart Voice Platform to Support Quality of Life for Community-Living Older Adults
A smart voice platform is tested to see if it improves quality of life and healthy aging for older adults living in the community.
-
Digital STEADI: A home-based digital fall prevention program for older adults
A home-based digital program using AI-driven conversational agents tests if a guided fall-prevention exercise plan can reduce fall risk for older adults with mild cognitive impairment living independently.
-
Sex hormones, menopause, and exercise in aging women
This study tests how hormonal status and resistance training affect age-related muscle and nerve function in postmenopausal women.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.