Actively Recruiting
Stepped-Care Intervention of Music and Imagery to Assess Relief (SCIMITAR) Trial
Led by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine · Updated on 2025-10-16
180
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Lead Sponsor
I
Indiana Institute for Medical Research
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a stepped-care music therapy intervention delivered via telehealth to help Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This trial builds on prior research that showed music listening and imagery interventions are feasible and acceptable for pain relief. The study aims to offer non-drug treatment options to improve pain and related psychological symptoms in Veterans, who often experience significant pain and mental health challenges together. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group first receives music listening guided by a music therapist to create a personalized playlist for daily use over 4 weeks. Those who continue move to music imagery therapy with eight weekly sessions focusing on self-regulation and inner resource development. The comparison group is a waitlist control who receive no treatment during the study but are offered abbreviated music therapy sessions afterward. Both groups may continue other standard pain treatments. During the study, participants complete assessments at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months to measure pain interference, pain severity, mood, sleep, anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, stress, and mood regulation. The primary outcome is pain interference measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. Researchers monitor participant adherence with music therapy and collect data on psychological and functional outcomes. The total participation includes a 6-month follow-up period to evaluate lasting effects and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Stepped-Care Intervention of Music and Imagery to Assess Relief (SCIMITAR) Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Musculoskeletal pain in the low back, cervical spine, or extremities (hips, knees, or shoulders) lasting 3 months or more
- Moderate or greater pain severity, defined as a PEG score of 4 or higher on a 0 to 10 scale
- Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Ability to pass a technology assessment
You will not qualify if you...
- Hospitalization in the past month for medical or psychiatric illness
- Housing insecurity
- Suicidal thoughts with current intent or plan
- Hearing or cognitive impairment that may interfere with music listening or imagery work
- Currently receiving music therapy services
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 - Approximately 12 to 14 weeks
Participants receive a stepped-care music intervention including an initial music listening phase followed by music and imagery sessions to help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
1 initial session plus weekly sessions for 8 to 10 weeks depending on progression in the intervention
Duration - 6 months
Participants complete assessments to evaluate pain and psychological outcomes over 6 months following treatment.
Assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Veterans Health Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sara M Kass, MD
M
Marianne Spevak, BSHS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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