Remote Chronic Pain & Memory Research Study
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a study to improve pain management, memory, and thinking in older adults.
Fast Facts
Ages 59+
Chronic Pain Lasting for More Than 3 Months and Experiencing Memory-Related Problems
No Medication Involved
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are looking for older adults who experience bothersome pain for more than 3 months and any memory or thinking challenges to participate in 8 virtual 90 minute group-based sessions led by trained clinical psychologists.
We will send all participants a smartwatch to wear throughout the program. We ask participants to complete a set of assessments at 3 different timepoints during the study. No medication is involved, and the entire program is conducted virtually which allows participation from the comfort of your home.
Quotes from Study Graduates:
“I felt a little uneasy about going online to a Zoom meeting with a bunch of people and talking. I didn’t know if I would feel relaxed or anxious, but I found that it really helped me a lot.”
“I think the remote is a great idea, because it brings in more people from a diversified area.”
“My activity levels have increased, I am going out more.”
Study Background
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are looking for older adults who experience bothersome pain for more than 3 months and any memory or thinking challenges to participate in 8 virtual 90 minute group-based sessions led by trained clinical psychologists.
We will send all participants a smartwatch to wear throughout the program. We ask participants to complete a set of assessments at 3 different timepoints during the study. No medication is involved, and the entire program is conducted virtually which allows participation from the comfort of your home.
Quotes from Study Graduates:
“I felt a little uneasy about going online to a Zoom meeting with a bunch of people and talking. I didn’t know if I would feel relaxed or anxious, but I found that it really helped me a lot.”
“I think the remote is a great idea, because it brings in more people from a diversified area.”
“My activity levels have increased, I am going out more.”
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 59+
- Chronic pain (unrelated to cancer) lasting for more than 3 months
- Experience memory-related problems (e.g., difficulty remembering, concentrating, getting organized)
- Able to walk for at least 6 minutes
- Able to read and speak English
- Willing to use a smartwatch and smartphone application during the program
- Willing to participate in sessions alongside other participants (group-based format)
- Exercise (i.e., swimming, walking, running) for less than 30 minutes daily on average
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not diagnosed with dementia or another neurodegenerative disease
- Not diagnosed with a physical illness expected to worsen in the next 6 months
- Not diagnosed with a serious untreated mental illness or substance use disorder
Once enrolled in the Active Brains Study, participants can expect:
- to join virtual group sessions led by a Massachusetts General Hospital clinician via Zoom for 8 weeks.
- to be asked to complete 3 virtual assessments in addition to the group virtual sessions:
- One before the program starts, one right after the program ends, and the final assessment 6 months later.
In total, participants can receive up to $405, broken down as follows:
- $50 for the baseline assessment ($20 for self-report questionnaires, $10 for 6-minute walk test, $10 for the RBANS, $10 for wearing the ActiGraph watch)
- $188 for the post-intervention assessment ($30 for self-report questionnaires, $15 for 6-minute walk test, $15 for the RBANS, $15 for wearing the ActiGraph watch, up to $56 ($1 a day) for each day that you wear their Actigraph, up to $7 for additional Actigraph wear after the sessions, and $50 bonus for completing all post-test assessments)
- $167 for the 6-month follow-up assessment ($40 for self-report questionnaires, $20 for 6-minute walk test, $20 for the RBANS, $20 for wearing the ActiGraph watch, up to $7 for each individual day you will wear the watch, and $60 bonus for full completion of the assessments)
For participants who choose to visit our office in-person for technology setup or other study needs, we will reimburse $10 for transportation costs. Otherwise, there is no cost for you to participate in our research study.