Pain Resilience for Low Back Pain

(Resilience Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Integrative Pain Science Institute

Disqualifiers: Acute pain, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Chronic pain affects about 20% of adults in the U.S. and can lead to serious personal, social, and economic challenges. It is often treated with medications, including opioids, which carry risks of dependence. While pain education (PE) helps people better understand their pain and may reduce symptoms, it generally has only modest effects when used alone. The purpose of this study is to explore whether combining pain education with other treatments-such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and healthy lifestyle strategies-in a multi-modal resilience approach can offer greater benefits. The study aims to answer the following question: Can a combined, whole-person approach improve outcomes in people with chronic pain more effectively than pain education alone?

Research Team

Kerstin Palombero, PhD

Principal Investigator

Widener University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with chronic lower back pain who are seeking alternatives to medication. Participants should be interested in a whole-person approach that includes physical therapy, cognitive strategies, and lifestyle changes alongside pain education.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to read and understand English

I have been experiencing chronic pain for at least 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to read or understand English

I am experiencing pain from a recent injury or pain that has lasted less than 6 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a multi-modal resilience approach combining pain education with physical therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and healthy lifestyle strategies

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Pain Resilience

Trial Overview The study tests if combining pain education with resilience tactics like physical therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques offers more relief for chronic low back pain than just pain education alone.

Participant Groups

Group I: Fear group Active Control 1 Intervention

This intervention addresses the negative valence system to decrease fear and threat.

Group II: Strengths group Active Control 1 Intervention

This group addresses the positive valance system for reward learning

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Integrative Pain Science Institute

Lead Sponsor