Actively Recruiting
A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial of a Auricular Point Acupressure - Self-Management (APA-SM) Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations
Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Updated on 2025-10-01
693
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating an Auricular Point Acupressure Self-Management (APA-SM) program for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) living in rural areas. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three approaches: APA-SM self-guided with remote training, APA-SM with in-person training, and an education control group. The goal is to improve pain intensity, pain interference, and daily activity over a 4-week intervention period, with follow-ups up to 6 months. The study also looks at clinical pain measures and analgesic use over time. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: self-guided APA-SM with remote training using a smartphone app, APA-SM with in-person training, or a control group receiving pain education without APA practice. The APA-SM program uses a noninvasive, needle-free technique based on acupuncture principles, supported by videos and guidance through the app or in-person sessions. The control group will receive pain self-management education through the app without APA content. During the study, participants will use the app to monitor their progress and self-administer APA where applicable. Assessments include surveys measuring pain, function, mood, sleep, substance use, and quality of life before and after the 4-week intervention and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention. Researchers will also evaluate implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The total study duration for participants includes the intervention and follow-up assessments, with recruitment planned over 3.5 to 4 years.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluating the Auricular Point Acupressure-Self Management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Receive any pain management for chronic musculoskeletal pain in neck, back, shoulder, hands, hips, knees, or feet
- Have chronic musculoskeletal pain rated 4 or higher on a 0-10 scale that has lasted at least 3 months or caused pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months
- Age between 18 and 85 years
- Live in a rural area
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe ear skin disorders such as eczema or lupus that require medical intervention, or severe allergy to tape
- Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
- Use of hearing aids that may block placement of seeds for acupressure
- Not living in a rural area
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants engage in the Auricular Point Acupressure-Self Management program or receive pain education to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
1 baseline visit and 1 post-intervention visit
Duration - 6 months
Participants are followed up to assess pain and other outcomes at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.
3 follow-up visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, United States, 29208
Actively Recruiting
2
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas, United States, 76107
Not Yet Recruiting
3
The University of Texas Health science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jennifer Kawi, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAAN
J
Jungkyung Min, PhD, MS, RN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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