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The Back Pain Consortium Research Program Study

University of Michigan Mechanistic Research Center -The Back Pain Consortium Research Program

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04870957
Acronym
BACPAC
Enrollment
494
Registered
2021-05-04
Start date
2021-06-09
Completion date
2025-04-14
Last updated
2025-12-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Low-back Pain

Keywords

Pain, Back Pain

Brief summary

This study is being completed to better understand who benefits from different chronic pain treatments and how these treatments work. This study will include a four week run-in period for all cLBP participants. After completing the PainGuide (online or smart phone accessible website) run-in period, participants will be assessed using either the light or light plus deep phenotyping assessment battery and those who minimal or modest improvement in their pain (based on PGIC) will be randomized to one of four 8-week treatments (mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), physical therapy (PT) and exercise, acupressure self-management, or duloxetine). In addition, participants will complete study visits including physical exams, complete surveys, provide samples (blood,saliva, etc.), wear an electronic wrist device at certain times, and have Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) during the study. Following one of the 4 treatments (8 weeks) if participants have a certain level of pain (that meets eligibility for more treatment) they will be then randomized to complete one of the 3 treatments that was not already assigned to them. The study hypothesizes the following: that this interventional response phenotyping can identify individuals with different underlying mechanisms for their pain who thus respond differentially to evidence-based interventions for chronic lower back pain (cLBP).

Detailed description

In addition, the following mechanistic hypothesis and Aims are included: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Aim 2: the study predicts that patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) will preferentially respond to this therapy if PROs indicate higher levels of pain catastrophizing, as measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, or lower scores on the Experiences Questionnaire. Aim 3: the study hypothesizes that cLBP patients with decreased activation in response to pain in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and Prefrontal Cortex and increased activation in somatosensory cortex (S1) and thalamus will respond preferentially to MBSR. Physical Therapy (PT) and Exercise Aim 2: The primary hypothesis for the light phenotyping protocol is those individuals with the highest scores on the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and lowest scores for PROMIS Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms will be most likely to improve from PT/Exercise program. Aim 3: the study hypothesis that low vagal tone and high basal inflammation will predict responsiveness to the PT/Exercise program. Acupressure: Aim 2: The study hypothesizes that females with cLBP will respond better to acupressure than men, as will those with higher scores on the 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire. Aim 3: The study predicts that cLBP patients with higher posterior insula glutamate and/or greater insula - Default Mode Network (DMN) connectivity (as well as increased DMN-S1 connectivity Duloxetine: Aim 2: the study hypothesizes that it will replicate previous studies suggesting that participants with cLBP will preferentially respond to this therapy if patient reported outcomes indicate stronger elements of either neuropathic pain (indicated by a high PainDETECT score) or centralized/nociplastic pain (indicated by more widespread pain on the 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire). Aim 3: the study anticipates then that deficient pain inhibition on quantitative sensory testing, decreased periaqueductal gray (PAG)-insula connectivity, and elevated stimulated inflammatory responses will be associated with a positive response to centrally-acting duloxetine. Additionally, a subset of individuals (n=160) from these groups will be asked to participate in an expanded phenotyping study that will include structural and functional brain neuroimaging, quantitative sensory testing (QST), plasma measures of inflammation, and digital measurement of autonomic tone.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPainGuide

A 4-week, online, self-management program for pain known as PainGuide (online or smart phone). Participants will use this during the run-in period as well as after the run-in period.

BEHAVIORALMBSR

In this group (mindfulness-based stress reduction) participants will take part in 9 group sessions. The groups sessions will be divided into 8 weekly 2-hour groups sessions and one 6-hour retreat. During the sessions participants will practice mindfulness exercises directed by the a MBSR therapist. Additionally, participants will also be asked to practice daily formal mindfulness at home using audio recordings of 30-45 minute guided meditation exercises. These audio recordings can be accessed online. The sessions may take place in-person or virtually.

BEHAVIORALPT and exercise

Participants will take part in 10 physical therapy visits over the course of 8 weeks. Participants will meet with the physical therapist twice a week for a 1-hour session for weeks 1 and 2 and then weekly for the remaining 6 weeks. The physical therapist will tailor a program to the participant's needs according to recommended PT practice guidelines that will include in-person treatment, home exercise prescription, and encouragement of progressive, low-intensity, submaximal fitness and endurance activities, such as walking. Participants will be given a home program of exercises to be done daily and asked to engage in daily walking with a set goal based on the individual's capacity and current fitness level. Walking was selected as the aerobic exercise of focus for this treatment because it is recommended for patients with all levels of pain severity, is highly feasible to complete, and has shown effects on outcomes such as pain and disability.

DEVICESelf -administered acupressure

A device called the AcuWand will be used to administer the self-acupressure intervention for approximately 30 minutes daily for 8 weeks. Participants will use a mobile application (app) called MeTime that will have daily instructions on how to use the AcuWand. Research staff will show participants how to use the AcuWand and MeTime app. In addition, participants will keep a daily log to track at-home acupressure sessions.

DRUGDuloxetine

For days 1-7, patients will take 30mg of duloxetine once a day, in the morning. Starting day 8, participants tolerating the medication will be escalated to 60mg once a day. They will also have the option of staying at 30mg, once a day or stopping the medication. At the end of the 8-week intervention period, participants will have the option to continue the medication commercially (non-study medication) under the care of their physician or taper off the medication. During the entire 8-week intervention, patients will be asked to keep a daily log of medication dosage, any missed doses, and any side-effects they may have experienced.

DEVICEPro-Diary monitor

Participants will wear during 5 separate 7-day home monitoring periods to assess physical activity (objectively measured via accelerometry), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mental and physical symptoms. EMA will be collected during Weeks 1, 6, 15, 24 and 36.

Sponsors

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
CollaboratorNIH
University of Michigan
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Intervention model description

Sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) design

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

for Light Phenotyping (all participants): * Definition of cLBP described in the NIH Task Force Report on Research Standards for Chronic Low Back Pain (for example (i.e.), low back pain present at least six months, and present more than half of those days. * Individuals must have the eligible protocol pain interference score on PROMIS Pain Interference. * Individuals must be willing to be randomized to receive any of the four proposed treatments.

Exclusion criteria

for Light Phenotyping (all participants): * History of discitis osteomyelitis (spine infection) or spine tumor * History of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or psoriatic arthritis, lupus * History of cauda equina syndrome or spinal radiculopathy with functional motor deficit (strength \<4/5 on manual motor testing) * Diagnosis of any vertebral fracture in the last 6 months * Osteoporosis requiring treatment other than vitamin D and calcium supplements * Cancer (History of any bone-related cancer or cancer that metastasized to the bone, Currently in treatment for any cancer or plan to start cancer treatment in the next 12 months, History of any cancer treatment in the last 24 months) * Life expectancy less than 2 years * Unable to speak and write English * Visual or hearing difficulties that would preclude participation * Presence of any history that would preclude scanning in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Uncontrolled drug/alcohol addiction * Individuals receiving disability or compensation within the past year, or involved in litigation * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * History of allergy to duloxetine * Individuals on high doses of opioids (over 100 oral morphine equivalents (OME) per day) * Scheduled back surgery, back surgery within the last year, or more than one back surgery in the past. * Expecting to receive an injection of surgical procedure within the next year for their cLBP * Current/planned (in the next 2 years) enrollment in another study of a device or investigational drug that would interfere with this study, this may include participation in a blinded trial. * Any other diseases or conditions that would make a patient unsuitable for study participation as determined by the site principal investigators. This would include but not be limited to severe psychiatric disorders, active suicidal ideations or history of suicide attempts, and an uncontrolled drug and/or alcohol addiction Contraindications to Study Intervention: duloxetine * certain medications (per protocol) * renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance \<30 milliliters per minute (mL/min) or End- Stage Renal Failure) * Hepatic dysfunction: Liver function tests (LFTs) elevated times 1.5 Contraindications to Study Intervention: Acupressure * Currently receiving acupressure or acupuncture through formal therapy Contraindications to Study Intervention: MBSR * Current participation in a structured MBSR program Contraindications to Study Intervention: PT & Exercise * Currently receiving any type of structured manual therapy or exercise treatment for low-back pain. * Contraindication for manual therapy and/or participation in an exercise program Inclusion Criteria for Deep Phenotyping (subset 160 participants): * Right hand dominant (such as the hand used when writing or throwing/catching a ball) * Normal visual acuity or correctable (with corrective lenses- glasses or contacts) to at least 20/40 for reading instructions in the MRI and visual sensitivity testing * No contraindications to MRI (i.e., metal implants) * Willingness to refrain from taking any as needed medications, including pain medications such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., Motrin, Advil, Aleve), acetaminophen, and opioids, for 8 hours before undergoing neuroimaging and 10.1 Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) * Willingness to refrain from alcohol and nicotine on the day of QST and neuroimaging (alcohol and nicotine consumption is allowed after testing is completed) * Willingness to refrain from any unusual physical activity or exercise that would cause muscle and/or joint soreness for 48 hours prior to testing (routine exercise or activity that does not lead to soreness is acceptable) * Able to lie still on back for 2 hours during MRI

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)week 6 (T2), week 15 (T3)The PROMIS pain interference consists of 4 questions on a Likert scale ranging from 'Not at all (1) to Very much (5). Total scores are between 4 and 20, with higher scores indicating increased pain interference.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)week 6 (T2), week 15 (T3)This is a 3 question scale where participants select a between 0 (no pain) to 10 (pain is bad and completely interferes). Higher the scores the worse the pain.
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)week 15 (T3)This is a 1 question item where participants described their perceived improvement between T2 and T3 by selecting a score between 1 and 7, where 1 indicated very much improved and 7 indicated very much worse. The lower the score, the greater improvement in perceived pain. Data is presented as count of participants who scored their improvement as a 1 or a 2 and those who scored their improvement as 3 or higher.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were recruited from June 1, 2021-June 27, 2024, through Michigan Medicine clinics (Back & Pain Center, Physical Medicine, Family Medicine, Neurosurgery) and community/online sources (UMHealthResearch.org, Facebook, MLive, flyers, radio). Of 6,965 screened, 494 eligible participants completed a baseline visit.

Pre-assignment details

Participants completed a 4-week online PainGuide run-in before randomization. At T2, those with PGIC ≥ 2 were randomized to one of four 8-week treatments (MBSR, PT/exercise, acupressure, or duloxetine). Participants with PGIC \< 2 entered follow-up only and were not randomized. Screen failures were those who did not meet eligibility criteria were withdrawn from the study.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Acupressure
Self -administered acupressure: A device called the AcuWand will be used to administer the self-acupressure intervention for approximately 30 minutes daily for 8 weeks. Participants will use a mobile application (app) called MeTime that will have daily instructions on how to use the AcuWand. Research staff will show participants how to use the AcuWand and MeTime app. In addition, participants will keep a daily log to track at-home acupressure sessions. Pro-Diary monitor: Participants will wear during 5 separate 7-day home monitoring periods to assess physical activity (objectively measured via accelerometry), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mental and physical symptoms. EMA will be collected during Weeks 1, 6, 15, 24 and 36.
101
PT and Exercise
PT and exercise: Participants will take part in 10 physical therapy visits over the course of 8 weeks. Participants will meet with the physical therapist twice a week for a 1-hour session for weeks 1 and 2 and then weekly for the remaining 6 weeks. The physical therapist will tailor a program to the participant's needs according to recommended PT practice guidelines that will include in-person treatment, home exercise prescription, and encouragement of progressive, low-intensity, submaximal fitness and endurance activities, such as walking. Participants will be given a home program of exercises to be done daily and asked to engage in daily walking with a set goal based on the individual's capacity and current fitness level. Walking was selected as the aerobic exercise of focus for this treatment because it is recommended for patients with all levels of pain severity, is highly feasible to complete, and has shown effects on outcomes such as pain and disability. Pro-Diary monitor: Participants will wear during 5 separate 7-day home monitoring periods to assess physical activity (objectively measured via accelerometry), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mental and physical symptoms. EMA will be collected during Weeks 1, 6, 15, 24 and 36.
102
MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction)
MBSR: In this group (mindfulness-based stress reduction) participants will take part in 9 group sessions. The groups sessions will be divided into 8 weekly 2-hour groups sessions and one 6-hour retreat. During the sessions participants will practice mindfulness exercises directed by the a MBSR therapist. Additionally, participants will also be asked to practice daily formal mindfulness at home using audio recordings of 30-45 minute guided meditation exercises. These audio recordings can be accessed online. The sessions may take place in-person or virtually. Pro-Diary monitor: Participants will wear during 5 separate 7-day home monitoring periods to assess physical activity (objectively measured via accelerometry), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mental and physical symptoms. EMA will be collected during Weeks 1, 6, 15, 24 and 36.
101
Duloxetine
Duloxetine: For days 1-7, patients will take 30mg of duloxetine once a day, in the morning. Starting day 8, participants tolerating the medication will be escalated to 60mg once a day. They will also have the option of staying at 30mg, once a day or stopping the medication. At the end of the 8-week intervention period, participants will have the option to continue the medication commercially (non-study medication) under the care of their physician or taper off the medication. During the entire 8-week intervention, patients will be asked to keep a daily log of medication dosage, any missed doses, and any side-effects they may have experienced. Pro-Diary monitor: Participants will wear during 5 separate 7-day home monitoring periods to assess physical activity (objectively measured via accelerometry), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mental and physical symptoms. EMA will be collected during Weeks 1, 6, 15, 24 and 36.
96
Total400

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003FG004FG005
T1 - Pre-Randomization: PainGuide run-inLost to Follow-up0000370
T1 - Pre-Randomization: PainGuide run-inPhysician Decision000030
T1 - Pre-Randomization: PainGuide run-inScreen Failure000020
T1 - Pre-Randomization: PainGuide run-inWithdrawal by Subject0000350
T2 (Randomization) - T3Adverse Event110000
T2 (Randomization) - T3Lost to Follow-up707300
T2 (Randomization) - T3Missed Timepoint4332012
T2 (Randomization) - T3Physician Decision002100
T2 (Randomization) - T3Withdrawal by Subject11811701
T3 (Re-randomization) - T4Adverse Event010100
T3 (Re-randomization) - T4Lost to Follow-up867602
T3 (Re-randomization) - T4Missed Timepoint3122023
T3 (Re-randomization) - T4Physician Decision200000
T3 (Re-randomization) - T4Withdrawal by Subject11510301
T4 - T5 (Follow-Up)Lost to Follow-up0000021
T4 - T5 (Follow-Up)Physician Decision000002
T4 - T5 (Follow-Up)Withdrawal by Subject000007

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPT and ExerciseMBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction)DuloxetineTotalAcupressure
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
23 Participants8 Participants12 Participants51 Participants8 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
79 Participants93 Participants84 Participants349 Participants93 Participants
Age, Continuous51.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.3
50.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7
50.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
50.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.8
49.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.9
Annual Household Income
$100,000 - $149,999
11 Participants12 Participants13 Participants50 Participants14 Participants
Annual Household Income
$10,000 - $24,999
15 Participants12 Participants9 Participants48 Participants12 Participants
Annual Household Income
$150,000 - $199,999
5 Participants9 Participants9 Participants28 Participants5 Participants
Annual Household Income
$200,000 or more
5 Participants4 Participants11 Participants24 Participants4 Participants
Annual Household Income
$25,000 - $34,999
12 Participants10 Participants3 Participants33 Participants8 Participants
Annual Household Income
$35,000 - $49,999
14 Participants9 Participants9 Participants47 Participants15 Participants
Annual Household Income
$50,000 - $74,999
11 Participants13 Participants10 Participants50 Participants16 Participants
Annual Household Income
$75,000 - $99,999
5 Participants12 Participants7 Participants33 Participants9 Participants
Annual Household Income
Less than $10,000
7 Participants5 Participants9 Participants25 Participants4 Participants
Annual Household Income
Prefer not to answer
16 Participants14 Participants16 Participants58 Participants12 Participants
Annual Household Income
Unknown
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants4 Participants2 Participants
Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ)24.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.8
24.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8
24.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.1
24.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.6
24.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
Education
Bachelor's degree
22 Participants23 Participants20 Participants87 Participants22 Participants
Education
Diploma or equivalent (GED)
5 Participants4 Participants8 Participants26 Participants9 Participants
Education
Graduate or Professional School diploma
25 Participants24 Participants38 Participants115 Participants28 Participants
Education
Lower Secondary (Middle School)
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Education
Primary (Elementary School)
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Education
Some College/ Certificate
36 Participants28 Participants19 Participants109 Participants26 Participants
Education
Some Graduate or Professional School
4 Participants11 Participants3 Participants24 Participants6 Participants
Education
Unknown
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Education
Upper Secondary (High School)
4 Participants5 Participants3 Participants15 Participants3 Participants
Education
Vocational/Trade School
6 Participants6 Participants4 Participants22 Participants6 Participants
Employment Status
Full-time employment
40 Participants45 Participants43 Participants174 Participants46 Participants
Employment Status
Not employed
20 Participants21 Participants21 Participants80 Participants18 Participants
Employment Status
Part-time employment
12 Participants14 Participants17 Participants59 Participants16 Participants
Employment Status
Retired
30 Participants21 Participants15 Participants85 Participants19 Participants
Employment Status
Unknown
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
6 Participants5 Participants6 Participants26 Participants9 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
87 Participants87 Participants85 Participants345 Participants86 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
9 Participants9 Participants5 Participants29 Participants6 Participants
Experiences Questionnaire (EQ-11)39.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
38.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
40.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.4
39.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
39.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.3
Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FAPQ)15.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
15.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.3
15.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.3
15.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
15.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
Fibromyalgia Criteria21 Participants20 Participants20 Participants78 Participants17 Participants
General Sensitivity Scale (GSS-8)2.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
1.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
1.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
1.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2
2.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.1
Michigan Body Map8.3 number of regions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.3
8.7 number of regions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.4
8.1 number of regions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.6
8.5 number of regions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.4
8.8 number of regions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.3
Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)11.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.7
12.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
12.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.2
12.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.6
12.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.3
PainDetect10.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.9
11.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
11.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.1
11.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
11.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.3
Pain Duration133 months
STANDARD_DEVIATION 216
126 months
STANDARD_DEVIATION 183
145 months
STANDARD_DEVIATION 418
129 months
STANDARD_DEVIATION 262
113 months
STANDARD_DEVIATION 155
Pain, Enjoyment of Life, and General Activity (PEG)6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
6.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.5
6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.8
6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.8
Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ)7.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.2
7.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
7.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
7.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1
6.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)5.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1
6.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
6.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
6.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.3
6.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)
Negative Affect
19.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.1
20.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.6
18.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
19.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
21.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.5
Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)
Positive Affect
31.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.6
31.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8
31.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.4
31.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.3
30.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.1
PROMIS Anxiety7.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.5
8.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.5
8.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
8.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
8.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.2
PROMIS Cognitive Function7.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
7.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2
7.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.3
7.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2
7.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
PROMIS Depression8.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.9
8.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
7.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
8.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.9
8.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.3
PROMIS Fatigue12.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.5
12.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.4
11.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6
12.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.5
12.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6
PROMIS Pain Intensity6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.7
6.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.5
6.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
6.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.7
6.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
PROMIS Pain Interference14.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.5
15.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
14.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
15.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.3
14.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.2
PROMIS Physical Function17.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
16.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
17.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.3
17.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
17.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
PROMIS Sleep Disturbance19.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.6
19.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.8
20.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.4
19.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.5
19.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.2
PROMIS Social Roles and Activities11.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.9
11.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.6
11.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
11.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
11.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.5
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
3 Participants10 Participants16 Participants40 Participants11 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
22 Participants16 Participants27 Participants88 Participants23 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
7 Participants6 Participants7 Participants26 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
4 Participants4 Participants2 Participants16 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
66 Participants64 Participants44 Participants228 Participants54 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
102 participants101 participants96 participants400 participants101 participants
Relationship Status
Divorced
18 Participants19 Participants14 Participants75 Participants24 Participants
Relationship Status
Married
47 Participants55 Participants55 Participants205 Participants48 Participants
Relationship Status
Never married
31 Participants23 Participants18 Participants93 Participants21 Participants
Relationship Status
Separated
1 Participants1 Participants3 Participants8 Participants3 Participants
Relationship Status
Unknown
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Relationship Status
Widowed
5 Participants3 Participants6 Participants18 Participants4 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
68 Participants72 Participants63 Participants273 Participants70 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
34 Participants29 Participants33 Participants127 Participants31 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
EG004
affected / at risk
EG005
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
1 / 1820 / 1750 / 2020 / 2820 / 4941 / 405
other
Total, other adverse events
1 / 1821 / 1750 / 20240 / 2824 / 4942 / 405
serious
Total, serious adverse events
5 / 1828 / 1756 / 2023 / 1679 / 49417 / 405

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)

The PROMIS pain interference consists of 4 questions on a Likert scale ranging from 'Not at all (1) to Very much (5). Total scores are between 4 and 20, with higher scores indicating increased pain interference.

Time frame: week 6 (T2), week 15 (T3)

Population: Of the 402 participants who were randomized to a treatment, 331 who completed the T3 study visit were analyzed. Participants excluded from this analysis are those who did not complete either T2 or T3.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction)Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-0.9 score on a scale
PT and exerciseChange in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-1.8 score on a scale
AcupressureChange in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-1.6 score on a scale
DuloxetineChange in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a Between Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-2.0 score on a scale
Secondary

Change in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)

This is a 3 question scale where participants select a between 0 (no pain) to 10 (pain is bad and completely interferes). Higher the scores the worse the pain.

Time frame: week 6 (T2), week 15 (T3)

Population: Of the 402 randomized participants, 331 who completed T3 study visit were analyzed. Participants excluded from this analysis are those who did not complete either T2 or T3.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction)Change in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-1.0 score on a scale
PT and exerciseChange in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-1.5 score on a scale
AcupressureChange in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-0.5 score on a scale
DuloxetineChange in the Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale (PEG) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)-1.2 score on a scale
Secondary

Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)

This is a 1 question item where participants described their perceived improvement between T2 and T3 by selecting a score between 1 and 7, where 1 indicated very much improved and 7 indicated very much worse. The lower the score, the greater improvement in perceived pain. Data is presented as count of participants who scored their improvement as a 1 or a 2 and those who scored their improvement as 3 or higher.

Time frame: week 15 (T3)

Population: Of the 402 randomized participants, 331 who completed T3 study visit were analyzed. Participants excluded from this analysis are those who did not complete either T2 or T3.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction)Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Very much (score of 1) /much improved (score of 2)4 Participants
MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction)Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Score 3 or higher75 Participants
PT and exercisePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Score 3 or higher55 Participants
PT and exercisePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Very much (score of 1) /much improved (score of 2)35 Participants
AcupressurePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Very much (score of 1) /much improved (score of 2)21 Participants
AcupressurePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Score 3 or higher58 Participants
DuloxetinePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Very much (score of 1) /much improved (score of 2)21 Participants
DuloxetinePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) From Week 6 (T2) to Week 15 (T3)Score 3 or higher62 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026