Mind Body Intervention for Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (Repetitive Stress Injury)

Launched by BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · Mar 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a mind-body approach to help people suffering from chronic pain in their arms, wrists, elbows, or shoulders, often caused by repetitive movements. The study aims to see if this method can improve how well participants can use their arms and reduce their pain levels, as well as any anxiety related to their pain. This is a pilot study, meaning it’s an early test to learn more about the best ways to help individuals with this type of pain.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old and have been experiencing significant pain and difficulty using their arms for at least three months. They should also be open to trying a mind-body intervention, which involves techniques that connect the mind and body to help manage pain. The study is currently looking for volunteers and is open to all genders. Participants can expect to engage in specific activities designed to help them cope with their pain and improve their daily functioning. It’s important to note that those with certain medical conditions or significant cognitive impairments are not eligible to join the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adult (≥ 18 years of age)
• • 2. A disability score ≥ 40 as per the QuickDASH survey
• • 3. Presence of pain and perceived disability for a minimum of 3 months
• • 4. Willing to engage in a Mind-Body intervention
• • 5. Positive visualization test (onset of pain when patients visualize themselves performing tasks that generally bring on pain)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Clear organic diagnosis of pain (e.g., cancer, infection, etc...) not inclusive of non-specific findings on imaging studies (e.g., mild arthritis)
• • 2. Age greater than 60 years (due to an increased risk of there being an organic/physical cause for their pain and confounding results)
• • 3. Diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia
• • 4. Active addiction disorder, e.g. cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interfere with study participation
• • 5. Major psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., schizophrenia). Anxiety and mild-moderate depression are not considered in this category