Remote Tai Chi for PTSD and Chronic Pain

Overseen By Barbara L Niles, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University

Must not be taking: Psychotropic, Pain medications

Disqualifiers: Major medical disorder, TBI, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how Tai Chi, a gentle form of exercise, can assist veterans with PTSD (a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events) and ongoing musculoskeletal pain. Researchers will compare Tai Chi to a wellness program to determine which is more effective. Veterans with PTSD symptoms for at least a month and chronic pain for six months or more may qualify for this study. Participants must have internet access and agree not to start new therapies for PTSD or pain during the trial. As an unphased study, this trial provides veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance PTSD and pain management strategies.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial does not require you to stop taking your current medications. However, you should not have changed your psychotropic or pain medication in the past month before joining. Once enrolled, medication changes are expected and will be monitored.

What prior data suggests that these interventions are safe for veterans with PTSD and chronic pain?

Research shows that Tai Chi is generally safe and well-tolerated for people with PTSD and chronic pain. Studies have found that Tai Chi can improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, and decrease tiredness. Most people do not experience major side effects, making it a promising option for those seeking natural ways to manage PTSD and chronic pain. For those considering joining the trial, current evidence suggests that Tai Chi could be a safe choice. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about remote Tai Chi for PTSD and chronic pain because it offers a unique, non-pharmacological approach that may complement or even replace traditional treatments like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Unlike standard treatments, Tai Chi combines gentle physical movements with mindfulness, potentially reducing stress and pain without side effects. Additionally, the remote delivery method makes it accessible to veterans and others who might have difficulty attending in-person sessions, offering a flexible and inclusive option for managing these conditions.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD and chronic pain?

Research shows that Tai Chi, which participants in this trial may receive, might help with PTSD and chronic pain. Some studies have found that Tai Chi can lessen PTSD symptoms and improve overall well-being. It may also help reduce muscle and joint pain. People with PTSD and chronic pain have found it to be a suitable and whole-body treatment. While more research is needed, these findings are promising for those seeking alternative therapies. Meanwhile, another group in this trial will receive a wellness program, which the investigators have successfully used in other studies of veterans with chronic pain. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Barbara L Niles, PhD

Principal Investigator

BUCA School of Medicine, Psychiatry; Boston Veterans Administration

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans with PTSD and chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting over six months, who have internet access for telehealth. They must not start any new evidence-based psychotherapy during the study but can continue if prescribed by a provider. Participants should be able to stand for Tai Chi sessions and attend scheduled intervention times.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to wait on starting certain mental health therapies until after the study.

I am a veteran diagnosed with PTSD by a professional using the CAPS-5 scale.

I have had pain in my muscles or bones in one or more areas for over six months.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have a major illness or severe brain injury that would stop me from safely doing Tai Chi.

Participants who engage in behavior that is disrespectful or disrupts the group may be terminated from the study

I haven't changed my mental health or pain medication in the last month.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase One: Treatment

Adapt, refine, and standardize two 12-week treatment protocols (Tai Chi and a Wellness control condition) for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Interventions are delivered via videoconferencing.

12 weeks

Remote sessions

Phase Two: Feasibility and Acceptability

Determine the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered randomized trial of the two interventions and the assessment protocols.

12 weeks

Remote sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and adherence with interventions post-treatment and at follow-up.

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tai Chi
• Wellness program

Trial Overview The trial tests two 12-week interventions delivered remotely: Tai Chi versus a Wellness program, to see which helps more with PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans. It's a small-scale randomized trial meant to set up for a larger future study.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tai Chi Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will receive a standardized Tai Chi protocol developed for veterans, adapted by the investigators, and administered by experienced VA Tai Chi instructors.

Group II: Wellness Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will receive a wellness program that has been successfully used by the investigators in other studies of veterans with chronic pain.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

494

Recruited

9,998,000+

Tufts Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

264

Recruited

264,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

VA Boston Healthcare System

Collaborator

Trials

73

Recruited

971,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11520095/

Protocol for remote Tai Chi and wellness for PTSD ... Results of this study are expected to provide critical information to inform a future large-scale randomized efficacy trial of Tai Chi for PTSD ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1755296622000114

Tai Chi and Qigong for trauma exposed populations These approaches have demonstrated preliminary efficacy in improving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, previous systematic reviews and ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10601358/

Tai Chi and Qigong for trauma exposed populations Integrative mind-body treatments for posttraumatic stress, such as Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ), may offer a promising adjunct to first-line treatments.

4. va.gov va.gov/wholehealth/professional-resources/clinician-tools/library-research-articles/Tai-Chi.asp

Tai Chi/Qigong - Whole Health CONCLUSIONS. Tai Chi is an acceptable, holistic treatment to individuals with musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. It may reduce pain, ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/315530265_Tai_Chi_for_Posttraumatic_Stress_Disorder_and_Chronic_Musculoskeletal_Pain_A_Pilot_Study

Tai Chi for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic ... Conclusions: Tai Chi is an acceptable, holistic treatment to individuals with musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. It may ...

6. hsrd.research.va.gov hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/tai-chi-report.pdf

Evidence Map of Tai chi and Qigong Compared to sham, active therapy, or usual care, "Tai chi Chuan-based exercise is helpful for improving QOL. [quality of life], anxiety, and fatigue in patients ...

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0898010117697617

Tai Chi for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic ... Conclusions: Tai Chi is an acceptable, holistic treatment to individuals with musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. It may ...