NCT06684587 · Boston University Charles River Campus
Telehealth Exercise and Mindfulness for Pain in Osteoarthritis - Stage 1B
(TEMPO-1B)
What this study is about
The goal of this randomly assigned controlled trial (RCT) is to test the feasibility of an 10-week telehealth mindful exercise intervention compared to a telehealth exercise only intervention for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This RCT will be fully digital with all recruitment, assessments, and intervention being conducted remotely.
View original scientific description
The goal of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to test the feasibility of an 10-week telehealth mindful exercise intervention compared to a telehealth exercise only intervention for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This RCT will be fully digital with all recruitment, assessments, and intervention being conducted remotely.
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
- Meet National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines for knee osteoarthritis (i.e., age ≥ 50 years, presence of activity related pain, no morning knee stiffness or presence of morning knee stiffness ≤ 30 minutes)
- Knee pain on most days for 3 months or more
- Average overall knee pain severity of ≥ 4 on an 11-point numeric rating scale over last 7 days, at least 2 weeks apart
- Able to attend remote sessions
- Can speak and understand English at a sufficient level to understand the study procedures and informed consent.
- Available for study duration
Exclusion criteria
- Contraindications to exercise
- Other pain in lower back or legs that is greater than knee pain
- Received physical therapy treatment for knee OA in the past 6 months or currently receiving physical therapy
- Received any mindfulness programs such as Tai Chi, meditation, etc. in the past 6 months or currently receiving such program
- Currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer except non-melanoma skin cancer
- History of other disease that may involve the index joint including inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathy (eg, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease related arthropathy), crystalline disease (eg, gout or pseudogout), lupus erythematosus, knee joint infections, Paget's disease affecting the knee, or knee joint tumors.
- Any knee surgery in the previous 6 months
- Joint replacement in either hip or ankle
- Previous knee osteotomy partial or total knee replacement in either knee
- Planned major treatment for knee OA (e.g., surgery, injections, physical therapy) during the study period
- Planned major surgery in the next 6 months
- Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections in either knee in the previous 3 months
- Neurological conditions that impacts motor functioning (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, etc).
- Pregnancy (self-report)
- Participation in another clinical trial for any joint or muscle pain
- Suspected or known drugs or alcohol abuse
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations