Treatment for obesity and chronic pain in adolescents
Pain and Weight Treatment: Development and Trial of PAW
This study is testing a new approach that combines pain education and treatment with weight management to help teenagers who are dealing with both obesity and chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Connecticut Children's Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hartford, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT04046562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance pediatric weight management by addressing chronic pain, a common comorbidity in youth with obesity. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of a combined intervention that includes pain education and treatment alongside standard weight management protocols. By focusing on both obesity and pain, the researchers hope to improve treatment adherence and outcomes for adolescents. The study will take place at the Pediatric Obesity Center at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are enrolled in a weight management program and experience significant musculoskeletal pain.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric illnesses or those on weight-reducing medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better weight management outcomes for adolescents suffering from both obesity and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While interventions addressing both chronic pain and obesity in youth are rare, the study's approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females between 12 and 18 years of age * Ability to speak, write and read English * A parent or guardian who speaks, writes and reads English * Signed consent and assent from the child and parent * Enrollment in a weight management program * Score greater than 3 on the Pain Burden Inventory at screening (in order to recruit adolescents who experience more than just general aches and pains). * Youth reporting musculoskeletal pain Exclusion Criteria: * Parent or guardian unable to participate * Patients on weight reducing medications * Severe psychiatric illness (i.e., suicidal or hospitalization within past 6 months) * Medical conditions such as Type 1 diabetes
Where this trial is running
Hartford, Connecticut
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center — Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa Santos, PhD — Connecticut Children's Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Melissa Santos, PhD
- Email: Msantos@connecticutchildrens.org
- Phone: 860-837-6739
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.