Using wearable technology to monitor chronic pain in adolescents

Targeted Realtime Assessment of Chronic Pain (TRAC-Pain) in Youth

Observational Stanford University · NCT06867757

This study is testing if wearable technology can help track pain and activity levels in teens with chronic pain to improve their treatment and understanding of their condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06867757 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of wearable digital health technology for continuous monitoring of physiological, sleep, and physical activity data in adolescents suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. It aims to develop objective digital endpoints to enhance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment outcomes for this population. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, the research seeks to provide unprecedented insights into the pain experience, which is often characterized by variability and unpredictability. The study addresses the limitations of traditional self-report assessments that are prone to recall bias.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents diagnosed with chronic widespread pain or chronic primary musculoskeletal pain.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or those currently undergoing treatment for cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and personalized management of chronic pain in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital health technologies for monitoring chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient has musculoskeletal pain in 1 or more anatomic regions.
* Pain persists for \> 3 months.
* Pain is associated with significant distress or life interference.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant cognitive impairment (e.g., unable to communicate)
* Hospitalization in the past 30 days for something other than their pain condition
* Currently undergoing treatment for cancer
* Reports only headache, orofacial, or visceral pain
* Currently pregnant or think you might become pregnant in the next 3 months

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

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 Chronic PainMusculoskeletal Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.