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Improving Functioning in Persons With Chronic Pain Post-SCI Through Virtual Classroom Education

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Spinal Cord Injuries
Chronic Pain
Interventions
Other: Education Program Type 2
Other: Education Program Type 1
Registration Number
NCT02561676
Lead Sponsor
Kessler Foundation
Brief Summary

Chronic pain (pain that is that is present for a long period of time) is very common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The purpose of this study is to compare how well two different web-based education programs reduce the level to which chronic pain interferes with daily activities and well-being.

Detailed Description

Chronic pain (pain that is present for a long period of time) is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The pain is often severe and can affect daily activities. Unfortunately, common treatments such as medications provide incomplete relief from chronic pain. Thus, persons with SCI have to find alternate ways to live a happy, healthy, and productive life, even with some pain.

The purpose of this study is to compare how well two different web-based education programs reduce the level to which chronic pain interferes with daily activities and well-being.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
75
Inclusion Criteria
  • SCI for at least one year
  • Chronic pain for at least three months that is moderate to severe
  • Fluent in English
  • Not currently starting a new pain treatment or changing a previous pain treatment
Exclusion Criteria
  • Lack of access to a computer with high-speed internet access, at home or another location
  • Cancer or conditions that may worsen over time (such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson Disease, Alzheimer's disease) and may affect physical or mental functioning
  • Significant difficulties with learning or memory
  • Previous participation in a health and function education program specifically designed for people with chronic pain and SCI
  • Inability to understand English well
  • Other conditions not related to SCI that cause pain (such as fibromyalgia)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Web-Based Education Program Type 2Education Program Type 2The education program involves ten weeks of web-based classes (1.5 hours per class) given once per week with daily homework assignments of approximately 30 minutes per day.
Web-Based Education Program Type 1Education Program Type 1The education program involves ten weeks of web-based classes (1.5 hours per class) given once per week with daily homework assignments of approximately 30 minutes per day.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in level of pain interference with activities, measured with the Life Interference Subscale of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-LIS)Average of scores obtained during baseline (Week 1 and Week 2) compared to scores obtained during Week 12 (the week in which the program is completed)

The extent to which pain interferes with daily activities will be measured with the Life Interference Subscale of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-LIS). The MPI-LIS is a self-report of extent of interference of pain with life activities and the enjoyment of life. The subscale will be modified to remove two items related to work, as recommended based on a factor analysis of the subscale in persons with SCI.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Brief Patient Health Questionnaire scoresWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The Brief Patient Health Questionnaire will be used to assess changes in mental health before and after participation in the education program.

Change in Mental Health Subscale of the SF-36 scoresWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The Mental Health Subscale of the SF-36 will be used to assess changes in mental health and well-being before and after participation in the education program.

Change in Survey of Pain Attitudes scoresWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The Survey of Pain Attitudes will be used to assess thoughts and feelings about pain before and after participation in the education program.

Change in Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire scoresWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire will be used to assess thoughts and beliefs about pain before and after participation in the education program.

Change in Coping Strategies Questionnaire scoresWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The Coping Strategies Questionnaire will be used to assess thoughts and feelings about pain before and after participation in the education program.

Pain interference with activities, measured with the Life Interference Subscale of the Change in Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-LIS) scores3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

The extent to which pain interferes with daily activities will be measured with the Life Interference Subscale of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-LIS). The MPI-LIS is a self-report of extent of interference of pain with life activities and the enjoyment of life. The subscale will be modified to remove two items related to work, as recommended based on a factor analysis of the subscale in persons with SCI.

Change in pain intensity rated on a 0-10 numerical rating scaleWeek 12 versus baseline; 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention versus baseline

Pain intensity will be rated on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (0="no pain" and 10="pain as bad as you can imagine").

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Kessler Foundation

🇺🇸

West Orange, New Jersey, United States

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