Actively Recruiting
Evaluating Group-Based Psychological Treatments Over Home Video Teleconference for Older Veterans With Chronic Pain
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-09-22
216
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating three types of group-based psychological treatments delivered via video telehealth to address chronic musculoskeletal pain in older U.S. military Veterans. The study focuses on older Veterans aged 60 to 95 years because they experience high rates of chronic pain and are more vulnerable to side effects from medications and procedures. The treatments being compared are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Mindfulness Meditation (MM), with a goal to determine which treatment works best for different patients and how each treatment affects pain and emotional symptoms. The study delivers all treatments in group sessions conducted over video telehealth to Veterans' homes. EAET aims to reduce physical and emotional symptoms by helping participants become aware of and express their emotions. MM focuses on present moment awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance of pain using techniques like mindful breathing and loving kindness. CBT teaches cognitive and behavioral skills such as relaxation training and activity pacing to help manage pain. Veterans will be randomly assigned to one of these three treatment groups and participate in standardized formats of each therapy. Participants will be involved in assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 20 weeks to measure changes in pain severity, pain interference, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and overall patient impression of change. Researchers will also collect demographic and clinical information to understand which Veterans respond best to each treatment. The study plans to enroll up to 216 multi-ethnic older Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain and will monitor outcomes using validated questionnaires and patient reports throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Group-Based Psychological Treatments Over Video Conference for Older Veterans With Chronic Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be military Veterans
- Age between 60 and 95 years
- Have musculoskeletal pain lasting at least 3 months, including back, neck, leg, pelvic pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, fibromyalgia, or tension headaches
- Average daily pain intensity of 4 or higher on a 0 to 10 scale
You will not qualify if you...
- Primary pain conditions requiring only medication or surgery such as hip or knee osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, gout, neuralgias, migraine, and cluster headaches
- Non-musculoskeletal pain conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), cancer pain, sickle cell disease, burn pain, infection-related pain, and cauda equina syndrome
- Severe psychiatric disorders uncontrolled by medication, active suicide or violence risk
- Severe alcohol or substance use disorder
- Significant cognitive impairment or dementia (tMMSE score below 19)
- Prior completion of EAET, CBT for chronic pain, or Mindfulness Meditation/MBSR programs
- Currently enrolled in another psychological pain treatment
- Involved in pain-related litigation or compensation claims
- Unable to fluently read or speak English
- No access to home internet for telehealth sessions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
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 - 8 weeks
Participants receive group-based psychological treatments over video telehealth from home, including Mindfulness Meditation, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to manage chronic pain.
Weekly group sessions via video teleconference
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are monitored after treatment to assess ongoing effects of the psychological treatments on pain and emotional symptoms.
1 to 2 remote follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA
West Los Angeles, California, United States, 90073-1003
Actively Recruiting
2
VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
West Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06516-2770
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Karin C Liu, MPH
B
Brandon C Yarns, MD MS BME
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
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