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.
Upcoming Clinical Trials
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.
