Actively Recruiting
Mind Body Intervention for Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (Repetitive Stress Injury)
Led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Updated on 2026-02-18
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a mind-body approach to help people with chronic pain or repetitive stress injury in the upper limbs, including the wrist, shoulder, and elbow. This nonrandomized pilot study aims to see if this intervention can improve arm function and reduce pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, and overall physical complaints. The study also seeks to refine the intervention and assessment methods for future research in this population. Participants will attend educational sessions focusing on mind-body techniques through lectures and group discussions. These sessions last about 2 hours each and are held twice weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by once weekly sessions up to a total of 13 weeks. This behavioral intervention is designed to teach skills that may help manage pain and improve daily function. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 13 weeks using questionnaires that measure disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand, upper extremity function, pain levels, pain anxiety, and somatic symptoms. The study does not involve any masking or placebo. Participants will be monitored throughout these time points to evaluate changes and safety. The total study duration for each participant is 13 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mind Body Intervention for Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (Repetitive Stress Injury)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults 18 years of age or older
- Disability score of 40 or higher on the QuickDASH survey
- Pain and perceived disability present for at least 3 months
- Willingness to participate in a mind-body intervention
- Positive visualization test that triggers pain when imagining tasks that usually cause pain
You will not qualify if you...
- Clear organic cause of pain such as cancer or infection (excluding mild arthritis findings)
- Age over 60 years
- Diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia
- Active addiction (e.g., cocaine or IV heroin use) interfering with participation
- Major psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia (mild to moderate depression and anxiety allowed)
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)
Duration - 13 weeks
Participants attend mind-body intervention sessions involving educational lectures and group discussions to learn mind-body techniques.
Twice weekly sessions for the first 4 weeks, then weekly sessions for the remaining 9 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Ashley Scafetta
M
Michael Donnino, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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