People with pain can play an important role in the development of new medications by taking part in clinical trials. Find a listing of IRB-approved clinical trials that might be of interest to you below. New trials are posted often, so check back regularly.
The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) is the leading consumer organization for people with chronic pain, providing information, education, peer support and resources to help those with pain better manage their conditions and make sound personal decisions in cooperation with qualified health care professionals. We support a balanced approach using multimodal therapies to enhance wellness and promote a higher quality of life. The ACPA cannot comment on the appropriateness or management of any medication, product, or device for specific individuals.
Clinical Trials
Dermatomyositis Study
Patients with dermatomyositis are invited to join a study opportunity to help advance research! If you are aged 18+ with dermatomyositis and you do not have chronic kidney disease, you could be part of the work that may help researchers understand more about the disease, and how to possibly treat it. Check your eligibility here: https://lpcu.re/TheACPA
Treatment of Worry and Anxiety in those with Pain
Conducted By: Boston University
Location: Home-Based
Description: This study is completely online and via mobile device and will last 10-weeks. All participants will receive a digital (online) treatment for anxiety and worry either at the beginning or end of the 10-week period. The study will also involve completing questionnaires on 4 occasions and completing 3 phone calls. Participants can be compensated up to $90 in Amazon giftcards for their time.
Who Can Participate: The study is for adults living in the United States who have persistent muscle or joint pain(>3 months) and have problems with anxiety.
Study Website: sites.bu.edu/painstudy
This study has been approved by Boston University-CRC IRB (protocol number 5975E). The registered clinical trial ID is NCT04907656.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders
You are invited to participate in an exploratory survey study if you are a person with one of the following chronic musculoskeletal disorders: chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic shoulder pain, osteoarthritis, chronic temporomandibular disorder, or fibromyalgia.
Conducted by: This research project is conducted by Prof. Dr. Annick Timmermans and Dr. Jonas Verbrugghe at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University.
Its purpose is to get insight on the impact of the intensity of the physical activity level on pain and disability in persons with chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
Second, the underlying facilitators and barriers to perform physical activity (at different intensities) during daily living will be evaluated.
Third, the impact of the intensity of the physical activity level on the motivation to perform a rehabilitation program will be evaluated.
More Information (Click English on top right): Click Here
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New Non-Opioid Treatment for Chronic Pain
Conducted By: NIH and FDA
Location: Multiple Sites Around the U.S. (Visit Link for more information).
Description:
A unique new program to bring new non-opioid treatments to chronic pain patients. This is an Early Phase Pain Investigation Clinical Network (EPPIC-Net) Study.
More Information: https://heal.nih.gov/research/clinical-research/eppic-net
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Knee Osteoarthritis
Study Option 1: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05025787
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two doses of CNTX-6970 for the treatment of pain related to OA of the knee compared to placebo. CNTX-6970 is being developed as a new treatment for chronic pain, including painful osteoarthritis of the knee.
Study Option 2: https://skoapstudy.org/
The SKOAP Study is a Sequenced strategy for improving outcomes in people with Knee OsteoArthritis Pain (SKOAP). It is a national study, funded by the Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®.
SKOAP compares non-opioid pain treatments with the goal of reducing KOA pain and improving function to find out what treatments work best for which patients.
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Talk NERDY to Me
Conducted By: Alliance for Aging Research
Location: Online Survey
Description:
For the past four years, and with support from PCORI, the Alliance has led the Talk NERDY to Me program to empower older adults and their family caregivers to collaborate with physicians and researchers on patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) related to Alzheimer’s disease, heart valve disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic pain and/or disability, and age-related macular degeneration. To achieve this goal, the Alliance offers a two-week online workshop and mentoring program.
Talk NERDY to Me is currently seeking patients and family caregivers to participate in the 2021 training. Beginning in early December, participants will meet virtually between December 6-17, 2021, three times a week, for two weeks from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Eastern Time, to learn from researchers in the field and each other. More details on the training, including the session schedule, is available online, and I also attached the info sheet. Participants successfully completing the workshop will receive a stipend of $1,500 and a Certificate of Completion for participating in the training.
Contact: aleonard@agingresearch.org
Fibromyalgia Survey
Conducted By: California State University, Fresno (CSUF)
Location: Online Survey
Description:
My name is Thalia Valdez, I’m a Physical Therapy graduate student at California State University, Fresno (CSUF). Under the guidance of Dr. Caio Sarmento, we are conducting a survey on the perceived effectiveness and satisfaction with commonly prescribed treatments for the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. This is an anonymous survey for those 18 and older diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It will take about 15 minutes to complete. Please follow the link below for more details, and to take the survey. Thank you for your consideration!
Who Can Participate: Those 18 and older diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
Contact: 559-278-2065
Living in Full Study
Conducted By: University of Washington (Seattle)
Location: At-Home
Description:
Living in Full Study that examines three, group-based active chronic pain treatments (cognitive therapy, training in mindfulness, and behavioral activation) for individuals with chronic pain who are also taking opioid medications. The study treatment and all research procedures are done remotely, and we are recruiting participants through March 2022.
Who Can Participate: Adults with chronic pain who currently take opioid medications on a regular basis
Contact: lifestudy@uw.edu or call 206-221-7224 or toll-free 1-800-570-5576
Virtual Reality for Chronic Lower Back Pain Reduction Study
Conducted By: Cedars Sinai
Location: At-Home
Description: An at-home research study to test whether a virtual reality (VR) headset can help manage or reduce chronic lower back pain.
Who Can Participate: If you are age 13+ and have at least 3 months of persistent daily low back pain and have access to email.
Contact: (310) 423-6740 click below to email VRstudymail@cshs.org
Do you have Chronic Low Back Pain? BEAT your Pain!
Conducted By: Mass General Brigham
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Description: The Brigham and Women’s Pain Management Center is doing this study to find out if surface electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback guided behavioral therapy can help manage pain for patients with chronic low back pain. Up to $200 in compensation may be given to participants.
Who Can Participate: Adults diagnosed with chronic low back pain.
Closing Date: 2 December 2021
Effect of Music and Other Audio Recordings for Chronic Pain in Aging Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
Conducted By: Baylor University Mind-Body Medicine Research Lab
Location: Home-Based
Description: This is a free clinical study at Baylor University of a mind-body intervention utilizing audio recordings for chronic lower back pain and sleep. The study is four weeks long and is completed solely in the comfort of your home through virtual visits. You can earn up to $175 upon completion of the study requirements.
Who Can Participate: Adults 50 years or older with chronic low back pain.
Do you have chronic lower back pain?
Conducted By: University of Connecticut School of Nursing: Center for Advancement in Managing Pain
Location: Home-Based
Description: A research study investigating the effectiveness of two, free smartphone apps. Participation involves two virtual study sessions, daily engagement with a free, smartphone app for ten days (10 minutes/day), and completion of one daily survey for ten days (5 minutes/day). Each virtual session should take no more than one hour and will consist competing a survey about your mood, thoughts, feelings, and demographics. Participants will receive up to $50 for completing the study. This study will be completed completely online.
Who Can Participate: To be eligible to participate, you must have chronic lower back pain, be 18 or older, be fluent in English, and possess a smartphone.
Exploring factors influencing the development and maintenance of Non-Specific Abdominal Pain
Conducted By: University of Bath (UK)
Location: Home-Based
Description: This study aims to explore psychological and historical factors associated with “Non-Specific Abdominal Pain”; or NSAP. This is abdominal pain which even after medical tests is still unexplained. You would take part in the study only for the time that you are completing the questionnaires. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Participants will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win £50 or £25 Amazon vouchers.
Who Can Participate: To be eligible to participate, you must have had at least 3 episodes of Non-Specific Abdominal Pain in the past 6 months and at least one of these episodes must have been in the last 3 months. You must also have had at LEAST one medical appointment for your pain to clinically examine/investigate this which has NOT resulted in a diagnosis of a medical condition. You must also be fluent in English and 18 years old or above.
STAMP STUDY : Strategies to Assist with Management of Pain
Conducted By: University of Wisconsin: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
Location: Home-Based
Description: An 8-week training program to learn one of two methods that may help you better cope with chronic lower back pain and live a more fulfilling life. With one method you will learn to reduce your negative reactions to pain. With the other, you will learn how to change your thoughts and feelings associated with pain. Your study involvement would be in addition to your medical care. You will not need to change any of your current treatments or medications. You will be paid up to $340 for your time and participation
Who Can Participate: To be eligible for this study, you must be 21 years or older, have experienced daily lower back pain for at least 3 months, and be interested in learning new methods designed to help manage your back pain. You must currently be prescribed daily pain medication for your back pain (for example: Vicodin®, Percocet®, oxycodone, morphine, buprenorphine or tramadol) and agree to be assigned in a random way (like by flipping a coin) to learn one of two methods to help manage pain.
STAMP STUDY : Strategies to Assist with Management of Pain
Conducted By: University of Washington
Location: Home-Based
Description: Chronic pain is a significant problem affecting millions of Americans. Research has shown that psychological treatments can help people with chronic pain manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Three common psychological treatments for chronic pain are Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, and Activation Skills. While research has shown these treatments are helpful for people with chronic pain, there is little research explaining why these treatments are helpful. The purpose of this study is to understand the specific ways these treatments work. In addition, we are also studying the effects of these treatments on opioid medication use. Increasing our understanding of how these treatments work for those who regularly take opioid medications will help researchers and clinicians improve these treatments for people with chronic pain in the future. Participation in the study will last approximately 8-9 months. Treatment will take place remotely and will be delivered over 4 weeks; no in-person visits are required. Compensation for completion of the interviews, online surveys, and the return of the activity monitor will be provided.
Who Can Participate: To be eligible for this study, you must be 18 years of age or older; experience moderate to severe chronic pain on a regular basis; are currently taking opioid medications on a regular basis; are able to read, speak, and understand English; and have access to the internet and a device with a webcam and microphone.
Pain and the Disturbance of Cognitive Performance
Conducted By: Liverpool John Moores University (UK)
Location: Home-Based
Description: The purpose of the study is to see whether pain can affect performance on attention and if different types of pain (e.g. chronic pain, acute pain) interfere with attention in different ways.
Who Can Participate: We want to examine how a full range of pain states might affect task performance. Therefore, we need to recruit people suffering with chronic pain conditions, members of the general population with acute pain (i.e. when you have a headache, menstrual pain, stomach ache etc), and members of the general population who are currently pain free. You must be within the age range of 18-55 and can be any gender. However, you cannot take part if you have a visual impairment, severe memory issues (e.g. through Alzheimer’s/Dementia) or have a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.
Pain and the Disturbance of Cognitive Performance
Conducted By: Liverpool John Moores University (UK)
Location: Home-Based
Description: The purpose of the study is to see whether pain can affect performance on attention and if different types of pain (e.g. chronic pain, acute pain) interfere with attention in different ways.
Who Can Participate: We want to examine how a full range of pain states might affect task performance. Therefore, we need to recruit people suffering with chronic pain conditions, members of the general population with acute pain (i.e. when you have a headache, menstrual pain, stomach ache etc), and members of the general population who are currently pain free. You must be within the age range of 18-55 and can be any gender. However, you cannot take part if you have a visual impairment, severe memory issues (e.g. through Alzheimer’s/Dementia) or have a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.
E-TIPS Trial
Conducted By: University of Washington: ITHS
Location: Home-Based
Description: The E-TIPS trial will evaluate an evidence-based, telehealth pain self-management intervention compared to standard care (a waitlist) for chronic pain in adults with physical disabilities who are employed.
Who Can Participate: To be eligible to take part in this trial, you must be 18 years of age or older; have a self-reported physical disability and suffer from chronic pain; read, speak, and understand English; have access to and be able to communicate over the telephone with our without assistive devices; be employed, working 15-20 hours per week or more, on average, or earning in excess of substantial gainful activity (approximately $1200/month).
Impacts of Shift Work on People with Chronic Conditions
Conducted By: Kent State University
Location: Home-Based
Description: The purpose of this study is to understand how shift work impacts people with chronic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or multiple sclerosis (MS). We are interested in how shift work impacts cognition, physical health, sleep quality, pain perception, and sleep and wake activities. We are also interested in how shift work impacts those without chronic conditions. Finally, we are interested in how non-shift workers compare to shift workers on these measures.
Who Can Participate: Anyone
Amount of Time in Chronic Pain and Social Connectedness
Conducted By: Washington State University
Location: Home-Based
Description: This research study is being done to examine the effects of chronic pain on levels of loneliness. This is a clinical trial, not a treatment. Participants will be asked to complete an online survey.
Who Can Participate: Anyone over 18 and under 64 who has self-identified as having chronic pain.
Do you suffer from Fibromyalgia?
Conducted By: Mass General Brigham
Location:Massachusetts, USA
Description: This study is investigating whether a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) combined with an exercise program on a treadmill, can change pain sensation in adults with fibromyalgia. Eligible participants may receive up to $375 for their participation.
Who Can Participate: Anyone between 18 – 65 who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia pain for at least 6 months.
Closing Date: 17 November 2021
Research Study Examining the Experiences of Men with Fibromyalgia
Conducted By: University of Denver
Location: Home-Based
Description: The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences of stigma and masculinity concerns of men living with fibromyalgia and give voice to this understudied phenomenon.
Who Can Participate: Men between the ages of 45-65 living in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
More Research and Studies
Visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov to find a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world, provided by the US National Library of Medicine.
