NCT06903962 · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Mind Body Intervention for Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (Repetitive Stress Injury)
What this study is about
The goal of this nonrandomized pilot study is to test a mind-body interventional approach for the treatment of chronic upper extremity pain or repetitive stress injury of the upper extremity (wrist/shoulder/elbow). 1. To determine if a mind-body intervention improves upper extremity functional capacity (ie.
View original scientific description
The goal of this nonrandomized pilot study is to test a mind-body interventional approach for the treatment of chronic upper extremity pain or repetitive stress injury of the upper extremity (wrist/shoulder/elbow). 1. To determine if a mind-body intervention improves upper extremity functional capacity (ie., Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand - DASH) among people with chronic wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain 2. To determine if a mind-body intervention decreases pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, and overall somatic complaints in our trial participants. 3. To tailor the intervention and the outcomes assessment procedures for conducting a trial in a population with upper extremity pain.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Mind-Body Intervention
The mind-body intervention will include regular approximate 2 hour educational sessions and didactics learning mind body techniques. The sessions will be twice per week for the first 4 weeks and then subsequently once per week for a total of 13 weeks.
Primary outcome measures
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks
The DASH is a commonly used and validated 38 question survey self-report survey assessing the effects of upper extremity disabling conditions on functional activity, pain, sleep, and other parameters
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult (≥ 18 years of age)
- A disability score ≥ 40 as per the QuickDASH survey
- Presence of pain and perceived disability for a minimum of 3 months
- Willing to engage in a Mind-Body intervention
- Positive visualization test (onset of pain when patients visualize themselves performing tasks that generally bring on pain)
Exclusion criteria
- Clear organic diagnosis of pain (e.g., cancer, infection, etc…) not inclusive of non-specific findings on imaging studies (e.g., mild arthritis)
- Age greater than 60 years (due to an increased risk of there being an organic/physical cause for their pain and confounding results)
- Diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia
- Active addiction disorder, e.g. cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interfere with study participation
- Major psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., schizophrenia). Anxiety and mild-moderate depression are not considered in this category
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations