Smartphone-Based Cognitive Tasks for Opioid Use Disorder

BA
Overseen ByBethea A Kleykamp, PhD, MA
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore
Must be taking: Methadone
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests smartphone games to assist older adults in methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. The goal is to determine if these games, designed to strengthen memory and focus, are easy to use and enjoyable. Participants will play these games for 15 days, with increasing difficulty based on performance. The study targets individuals aged 55 and older who are already in methadone treatment and have clear vision. The researchers aim to find better ways to support recovery by enhancing thinking skills through engaging digital activities. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing cognitive skills during recovery.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves participants who are already in methadone treatment, it seems likely that you can continue your current methadone regimen.

What prior data suggests that these smartphone-based cognitive tasks are safe for older adults with opioid use disorder?

Research has shown that smartphone-based cognitive tasks are generally safe. For example, studies on smartphone apps for opioid use disorder (OUD) have not identified any serious safety issues. Participants in these studies used the apps without major problems.

One study examined a digital treatment for OUD and found it safe, emphasizing its effectiveness over any negative effects. While this treatment involves cognitive tasks, the overall safety of smartphone apps in this area appears promising. Therefore, participating in a trial using smartphone-based cognitive tasks should be safe for most people.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using smartphone-based cognitive tasks for opioid use disorder because it offers a new, tech-driven approach that could complement traditional treatments like medication-assisted therapy (MAT) and counseling. This method provides a unique delivery system, utilizing a smartphone app to engage users in cognitive tasks, making treatment more accessible and convenient. By incorporating technology, it can potentially offer real-time data and personalized interventions, helping to better understand and address the cognitive aspects of addiction. This innovative approach could enhance current treatment strategies by adding a digital layer of support that is easily accessible to patients.

What evidence suggests that smartphone-based cognitive tasks are effective for opioid use disorder?

Research has shown that apps can be helpful for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). These apps are easy to access and can be used anytime, offering a convenient treatment option. Studies have found that these digital tools help keep patients engaged and improve their success in treatment programs. In this trial, all participants will engage in smartphone-based cognitive tasks. Smartphone assessments with artificial intelligence can predict opioid use patterns. This suggests that smartphone-based activities could support older adults in methadone treatment by boosting their involvement and possibly improving their recovery.12467

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 55 or older who are currently in outpatient methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. Participants must be alert, able to communicate effectively, and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.

Inclusion Criteria

* 1\) age 55 and older, 2) currently in outpatient methadone treatment for opioid use disorder, 3) participant is alert/able to communicate/able to give acceptable answers on the "Evaluation to Sign Consent form, 4) participant has normal or correct to normal vision

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete measures of demographics, substance use history, health characteristics, mood, quality of life, and baseline cognitive performance. They receive training on completing tasks using the smartphone application.

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Cognitive Testing

Participants undergo twice daily remote cognitive assessments of executive functioning and learning/memory for the first 5 days.

5 days

Cognitive Training

Tasks become incrementally more difficult based on participant performance during days 6-15 to assess the feasibility of cognitive training.

10 days

Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up session that includes repeat measures of mood, quality of life, and cognitive performance, as well as questions about their experience with the smartphone-based cognitive games.

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Smartphone based cognitive tasks

Trial Overview

The study tests the feasibility of using smartphone-based 'gamified' cognitive tasks to assess and potentially improve cognitive function in older adults with OUD. The tasks increase in difficulty over a period of 15 days to evaluate engagement and performance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Smartphone-based assessments and cognitive tasksExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Lead Sponsor

Trials
729
Recruited
540,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1,841
Recruited
28,150,000+

The University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (UM-OAIC)

Collaborator

Citations

Development of a Sham Smartphone App for Opioid Use ...

App-based interventions, which are easily accessible and available at any time, have demonstrated efficacy for those with OUD [11-14].

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(3b) Explore changes in functional (e.g., values-based living, quality of life) and clinical outcomes (e.g., illicit opioid use) which will be key outcomes in ...

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This study demonstrates that pairing brief daily smartphone assessments with artificial intelligence-based prediction models can yield clinically useful early ...

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The objective of this study was to further evaluate the efficacy of the PDT in treatment-seeking individuals with OUD by analyzing abstinence data in the last ...