Evaluating the Auricular Point Acupressure-Self Management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations (NCT07179016)
A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial of a Auricular Point Acupressure - Self-Management (APA-SM) Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations.
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The investigators will test an Auricular Point Acupressure Self-Management (APA-SM) program integrated into rural primary and specialty care and rural communities for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). To maximize self-management of pain, the investigators developed a smartphone app which will allow the participants to learn to self-administer APA. The investigators will have 3 arms (APA-SM self-guided with remote training, APA-SM with in-person training, and Education Control) with 231 participants per arm (total=693 for 3 arms). The investigators will evaluate the clinical effectiveness of our 4-week APA-SM intervention compared to control in primary outcomes (pain intensity, pain interference, activity), secondary outcomes (HEAL Clinical Pain Core common data elements), and analgesic use up to 6 months follow-up.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
Age range: 18 Years to 85 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) - Self Management (SM) (BEHAVIORAL)
- Education Control (BEHAVIORAL)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)
- University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth — Fort Worth, Texas
- The University of Texas Health science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (713) 500-2293
Email: Jennifer.Kawi@uth.tmc.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
Explore by condition: All Chronic Pain (Back / Neck) clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.