Mind-Body App + Movement Program for Chronic Pain

Overseen By Cynthia J Thomson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of the Fraser Valley

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Substance use disorder, Metastatic cancer, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a mind-body mobile app, combined with a gentle movement program, can help manage chronic pain. The goal is to determine if this approach reduces pain intensity and improves mental health, quality of life, and attitudes towards movement. Individuals with chronic pain for at least six months, experiencing it at least half the time, might be suitable candidates. Participants need access to a device and must be willing to use the app and engage in light exercise weekly. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance chronic pain management for many.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this mind-body mobile application and guided movement program is safe for chronic pain?

Research has shown that mind-body therapies, like those in the mobile app, are generally safe and easy to use. Many studies have found that techniques such as relaxation, meditation, and guided imagery help people manage chronic pain without major side effects. For example, one study found these methods useful as self-care tools, meaning they are simple for people to use independently and usually don't cause harm. Another study suggested that using this app alongside regular care can help people feel more in control of their pain. Overall, evidence suggests that this type of mobile app is a safe choice for managing chronic pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mind-Body App + Movement Program for chronic pain because it offers a holistic approach that combines mental and physical wellness. Unlike traditional medications or invasive procedures, this program uses a mobile app to deliver mind-body techniques such as meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pain education. It also includes an audio-guided movement program to gently encourage physical activity. This non-invasive, tech-driven approach aims to empower individuals to actively manage their pain, potentially reducing reliance on medication and improving overall quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this mind-body app and movement program is effective for chronic pain?

Research has shown that a mind-body mobile app, which participants in this trial will use, can significantly aid individuals with chronic pain. One study found that app users experienced a 36% decrease in overall pain and a 40% reduction in pain intensity. The app employs relaxation and meditation techniques, enhancing both physical and mental health. Additionally, users reported a 40% decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that the app can effectively manage chronic pain and improve quality of life. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cynthia J Thomson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of the Fraser Valley

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing chronic or persistent pain, including conditions like migraines. Participants must be able to self-report their pain and complete online questionnaires. Details on specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must have access to an electronic device

I experience body or migraine pain.

I am between 19 and 75 years old and suffer from chronic pain.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals reporting substance use disorder within the last 6 months

I have cognitive issues that may affect my ability to fill out forms or use apps.

I have used the mind-body app being studied before.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Online questionnaire

Treatment

Participants engage with a mind-body mobile application and a guided movement program for 6 weeks

6 weeks

Weekly virtual surveys

Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up survey to assess outcomes 6 weeks post-intervention

6 weeks

1 online survey

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mind-body mobile application

Trial Overview The study tests a mind-body mobile application combined with a virtual guided movement program over six weeks. It measures the impact on chronic pain intensity, mental health, quality of life, and attitudes towards movement compared to previous studies' data.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mind-body mobile application and guided movement Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are asked to engage (minimum 4x per week) with a user-guided mobile application (app) that employs mind-body techniques including expressive writing, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, and pain education. The app also includes access to podcasts that focus on pain counselling and pain education. Participants are also asked to follow (3x per week) an audio-guided somatic education program (light-intensity graded movement).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of the Fraser Valley

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4

Recruited

290+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11340744/

Randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of ... A short-term mobile app intervention resulted in significant improvements across physical and mental health outcomes compared to wait-listed usual care.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07143396

Evaluation of a Mind-Body Based Approach for Chronic ... The investigators are evaluating the effects of a mind-body mobile application, in combination with a guided movement program, on the experience of chronic ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2561326X2200097X

An Evaluation of a Mobile App for Chronic Low Back Pain ... The findings show a 36% reduction in the PEG-3 total score, a 40% reduction in pain intensity, and a 40% reduction in the PHQ-4 total score. The ...

4. icer.org icer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CTAF_LBNP_Final_Evidence_Report_110617.pdf

Cognitive and Mind-Body Therapies for Chronic Low Back ... ... Effectiveness for Mind-Body Interventions for Chronic Neck Pain ... pain improvement per cycle (0.6) because clinical trial data suggested similar efficacy.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-chronic-pain-9-2021-f2a14

Evaluation of a Mind-body Based Application for the ... This trial is testing a mobile app that uses relaxation and meditation techniques to help people with chronic pain feel better. The app aims to reduce pain ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4301893/

Effectiveness of app-based relaxation for patients with chronic ... 'Mind-body therapies' including relaxation, meditation and guided imagery are easily applicable as self-care interventions and are used as adjuvant therapies ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772628223000559

Mobile apps to self-manage chronic low back pain A self-management app, if introduced appropriately and as adjunct to care, can be an empowering tool to self-manage chronic low back pain.

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/6/1027

Systematic Review of Mind–Body Modalities to Manage the ... Mind-body modalities (MBMs) can reduce the long-term adverse health effects associated with COVID-specific chronic stress. This systematic review aims to ...