Study of Interoceptive Awareness and Function in Teens Ages 11 to 21 Undergoing Occupational Therapy with Yoga for Chronic Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how occupational therapy, including therapeutic yoga, affects adolescents aged 11 to 21 years who have chronic pain. The study aims to compare levels of interoceptive awareness, which is the ability to sense internal bodily signals, and self-reported function before and after completing an occupational therapy treatment plan. The study focuses on patients referred by the Pain Team at Connecticut Childrens and evaluates changes using standardized questionnaires. Participants will receive an occupational therapy treatment plan consisting of 8 to 12 weekly visits that include breathwork, mindfulness, and yoga poses tailored to individual needs. Before starting therapy, participants complete questionnaires measuring their interoceptive awareness and function. These assessments are repeated after the treatment plan and again in a follow-up survey three months later. Attendance and adherence to a home program practiced three times weekly are tracked throughout the sessions. During the study, participants complete electronic questionnaires at the first and last therapy visits to assess changes in physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, social roles, and pain interference. Researchers securely collect and manage data in a protected database ensuring confidentiality. A follow-up survey is sent three months after treatment ends, and the study is planned to recruit over 12 months to gather sufficient data for analysis.

Interoceptive Awareness and Function in Adolescents With Chronic Pain