NCT07810218 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Personalized Exercise Recommendations for Chronic Pelvic Pain Using Reinforcement Learning
(WorkoutCPP)
What this study is about
WorkoutCPP is a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of a personalized exercise recommendation system for individuals with chronic pelvic pain disorders (CPPDs). The study uses reinforcement learning (RL), a type of artificial intelligence that adapts recommendations over time based on each participant's reported pain levels, symptom burden, and exercise compliance.
View original scientific description
WorkoutCPP is a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of a personalized exercise recommendation system for individuals with chronic pelvic pain disorders (CPPDs). The study uses reinforcement learning (RL), a type of artificial intelligence that adapts recommendations over time based on each participant's reported pain levels, symptom burden, and exercise compliance. Participants receive daily exercise recommendations that alternate between standard, non-personalized guidance and personalized, RL-generated recommendations across four 2-week phases, allowing within-person comparison of outcomes under each condition. The primary hypothesis is that an RL-based adaptive recommendation system is feasible to deliver in a CPPD population.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Reinforcement Learning (RL)-Based Personalized Exercise Recommendations
Daily exercise recommendations (using type, intensity, and duration) are generated by a contextual bandit reinforcement learning agent, based on the implementation described in Meier et al. 2023. Recommendations are personalized using each participant's initially generated list of exercises based on their physical ability and resources available, as well as contextual daily factors including pain symptoms, prior exercise compliance, and their feedback to the previous exercise recommendation.
BEHAVIORAL
Generic Exercise Recommendation
Participants receive exercise recommendations from a standardized, set list of exercise recommendations that are based on USDHHS physical activity guidelines (Piercy et al., 2020). Recommendations are not personalized based on participant contextual information and do not adapt over the course of the study.
Primary outcome measures
Exercise Recommendation Adherence Rate
Time frame: At 9 weeks at study completion
Exercise recommendation adherence rate is calculated by the proportion of daily exercise recommendations completed over the course of the intervention. A higher exercise adherence rate indicates that participants are completing their given exercise recommendations at higher frequencies.
Participant Retention Rate
Time frame: At 9 weeks at study completion
Participant retention rate is the proportion of enrolled participants completing study participation until the end of intervention. A higher retention rate indicates that participants complete the 9-week intervention period at higher frequencies.
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
- Self-reported CPPD (e.g., endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, etc.) based on clinician diagnosis
- Aged 18-55 years.
- Ownership of an iOS or Android smartphone.
- Willingness to self-track daily symptoms, exercise activities, and self-management behaviors using a smartphone research app.
- Willingness to wear an activity tracker for the study duration.
- Willingness to follow exercise recommendations from a smartphone research app, provided no adverse symptoms occur.
- Ability to read and write in English sufficient to understand study materials and communications.
- At least intermittently physically active (e.g., ≥30 minutes of walking twice per week).
Exclusion criteria
- Absolute contraindications to PA (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, complete heart block, acute congestive heart failure, unstable angina, or uncontrolled severe hypertension, BP ≥180/110 mm Hg).
- More than two "Yes" responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) (16) without physician clearance.
- Major life events expected during the next 10 weeks (e.g., pregnancy, planned surgery, or extended travel likely to interfere with participation).
- Current or planned pregnancy within the next 6 months.
- Having given birth in the past 6 months or currently nursing.
- Inability to wear an activity tracker or use the app for the study duration.
- Complete inactivity (i.e., \<60 minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week).
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Hasso Plattner Institute, Potsdam, Germany
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 Sep 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations