Remote Tai Chi for PTSD and Chronic Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byBarbara L Niles, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Boston University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

In the proposed trial, the investigators plan to refine interventions, then conduct a small randomized trial to provide critical information to inform a future large-scale randomized efficacy trial of Tai Chi for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Building on the combined experience the proposed study will progress in new directions to: 1. Adapt, refine, and standardize two 12-week treatment protocols (Tai Chi and a Wellness control condition) for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and chronic musculoskeletal pain during Phase One. Tai Chi and Wellness interventions will be adapted for delivery via a videoconferencing platform for the population and piloted in a 'dry run'. 2. Determine the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered randomized trial of these two interventions and the assessment protocols during Phase Two. 3. Utilize information from this trial to plan and design a large randomized control study evaluating the efficacy of Tai Chi compared to Wellness for improving outcomes for Veterans with PTSD and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans with PTSD and chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting over six months, who have internet access for telehealth. They must not start any new evidence-based psychotherapy during the study but can continue if prescribed by a provider. Participants should be able to stand for Tai Chi sessions and attend scheduled intervention times.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to wait on starting certain mental health therapies until after the study.

I am a veteran diagnosed with PTSD by a professional using the CAPS-5 scale.

I have had pain in my muscles or bones in one or more areas for over six months.

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Exclusion Criteria

I do not have a major illness or severe brain injury that would stop me from safely doing Tai Chi.

I haven't changed my mental health or pain medication in the last month.

I struggle to stand for most of a 60-minute Tai Chi class.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Tai Chi (Behavioural Intervention)
Wellness program (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe trial tests two 12-week interventions delivered remotely: Tai Chi versus a Wellness program, to see which helps more with PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans. It's a small-scale randomized trial meant to set up for a larger future study.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Tai Chi GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will receive a standardized Tai Chi protocol developed for veterans, adapted by the investigators, and administered by experienced VA Tai Chi instructors.

Group II: Wellness GroupActive Control1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will receive a wellness program that has been successfully used by the investigators in other studies of veterans with chronic pain.