MOTIVATE to Improve Outcomes for Older Veterans With Musculoskeletal Pain and Depression

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jan 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The MOTIVATE trial is a study designed to help improve the health and well-being of older veterans who experience ongoing musculoskeletal pain, like chronic back pain, and also have symptoms of depression. The goal is to see how effective a non-drug program is in helping these veterans manage their pain and mood, while also looking at how well the program is implemented and its costs.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be 60 years or older, speak English, and report experiencing pain that affects their daily life most days for at least the past three months. They should have a certain level of pain and some signs of depression. If you or someone you know fits this description, you can expect to take part in activities at home that don’t involve medication. However, it's important to note that those with severe cognitive impairment or certain health conditions may not be eligible. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to make a positive difference in the lives of older veterans dealing with pain and depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 60 and older
• • English- speaking
• • Self-reported MSK pain (include cLBP +/- radiating symptoms, OA, fibromyalgia) on most days for the past 3 months that interferes with daily activities
• • Pain intensity that is 4+/10 on the numerical pain rating scale
• • Pain interference threshold 5+ on PEG-3
• • Depressive symptoms, 10+ on PHQ-9
• • Capable of participating in home-based activity
• • Interested in participating in a non-pharmacologic program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 59 or less
• • No telephone
• • Not English speaking
• • Unwilling to be randomized to either study arm
• • Not interested in participating in a non-pharmacologic program
• • Self-reported uncorrected hearing and visual impairments precluding ability to participate in telephone sessions or read pedometer screen
• • Significant (moderate or severe) cognitive impairment (3+ errors) on six-item screening exam
• • Self-reported dependence on wheelchair, bed-bound, or severe balance impairment or severe OA\* (resulting in inability to participate in physical activity intervention)
• • Illness requiring hospitalization within the last 3 months that interferes with a home-based physical activity intervention (e.g., fall, gout attack, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, surgery for blocked arteries)
• • Suicidal intent (see suicide screening protocol), uncontrolled psychotic disorder or psychiatric hospitalization within 1 year, or enrolled in active substance use program (confirmed with scripted protocol over telephone)