Chronic Pain Self-management for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Last updated: June 25, 2025
Sponsor: University of Michigan
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Memory Loss

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Pain

Treatment

STEPS-CI (Support, Training, and Education for Pain Self-management- Cognitively Inclusive version)

Clinical Study ID

NCT06182423
HUM00237064
R01AG071511-02S1
  • Ages > 50
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this randomized pilot trial is to test a chronic pain self-management program customized for people living with both chronic pain and cognitive impairment. The main questions it aims to answer are whether this program is feasible and acceptable, and whether it shows potential for improving pain-related outcomes. Intervention group participants will receive education and support from a community health worker in 7 weekly telephone sessions, and will watch a series of educational videos discussing a variety of chronic pain self-management skills. A control group will not receive the program, but after the final data collection point will be invited to attend a one-time remote session that summarizes intervention content, and will receive all program materials. Researchers will compare intervention and control groups after the program ends to see if the intervention group has less pain interference with daily activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age > 50 years;

  • Have a cell or landline phone and internet access;

  • Self-reported chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles or joints for > 3months); >1 day/previous 30 when pain made it difficult to do usual activities.

  • Self-reported mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/memory difficulties that at leastsometimes interfere with usual daily activities

  • Willingness to meet by phone or video with a community health worker to learnpotentially new ways to manage pain and commit to the duration of the program

  • Able to converse comfortably in English.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Serious acute illness or hospitalization in last month; planned major surgery innext three months that would interfere with program participation (e.g., kneereplacement)

  • Other issues that are judged by study team to preclude meaningful participation instudy procedures (e.g. severe physical, cognitive, or psychiatric disorder).

  • Current or prior participation in the parent STEPS study or the RESET (Re-Engagingin Self-Care and Enjoying Today) Study.

Study Design

Total Participants: 57
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: STEPS-CI (Support, Training, and Education for Pain Self-management- Cognitively Inclusive version)
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 25, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
June 11, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
    United States

    Site Not Available

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