HIPAA Compliant
ISO 27001 CertifiedActively Recruiting
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
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
Evaluating the Auricular Point Acupressure-Self Management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations
J
Jennifer Kawi, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAAN
J
Jungkyung Min, PhD, MS, RN
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Remote APA-SM Training | In-person APA-SM Training | Pain Education (Active Comparator) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Participants use a mobile app for remote training in auricular point acupressure (APA) self-management. The program guides users to apply pressure to specific points on the ear using seeds or pellets, aiming to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain. | Participants receive in-person training from study staff on APA self-management techniques, learning to locate and stimulate ear points with seeds or pellets for pain reduction. | Participants receive app-based pain education covering general pain knowledge and self-management strategies. No APA or acupressure techniques are included; focus is on education and non-APA self-management skills. |
| Role in the trial | Experimental arm testing remotely delivered APA-SM program using digital app format. | Experimental arm evaluating in-person, staff-led training for APA-SM program. | Active control arm providing education and self-management guidance without APA techniques. |
| Primary use | To teach adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain how to self-administer auricular acupressure for pain management using remote digital support. | To enable adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain to use auricular acupressure for pain relief through in-person instruction from healthcare staff. | To provide foundational knowledge and self-management strategies for chronic pain, excluding auricular acupressure techniques. |
| How it is given or performed | Participants follow step-by-step videos and instructions in a dedicated app, practicing ear-point acupressure remotely, with app-based coaching and progress tracking. | Participants attend in-person sessions to receive direct instruction on APA technique and practice under staff supervision. | Pain education is delivered via an app focused on knowledge and self-management skills, without any auricular acupressure practice or demonstration. |
| Evidence status | Effectiveness and impact on pain, mood, and self-efficacy will be evaluated in the current trial. Previous pilot studies suggest possible benefit, but robust clinical trial data for rural populations are not yet available. | Implementation and effectiveness in rural chronic pain are under evaluation in this trial. Some earlier clinical reports suggest benefit of auricular acupressure for pain, but robust data in this exact format and population are lacking. | Pain education and self-management support represent established principles in chronic musculoskeletal pain care; educational interventions are widely recommended in guidelines but effect sizes may be modest. |
| Important limitations | Effectiveness of remote APA-SM in diverse rural populations is not yet established; results are pending. Self-administration may affect accuracy and adherence. | Benefits of in-person APA-SM over remote app-based delivery have not been directly compared outside this study, and generalizability to all rural settings may be limited. Staff availability and participant travel may affect use. | Pain education can improve knowledge but often produces only modest or short-term improvements in pain outcomes compared to more comprehensive behavioral programs. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
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
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Jennifer Kawi, Jane Bolin, Hulin Wu...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42259555/The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor
