Evaluating the Auricular Point Acupressure-Self Management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations
A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial of a Auricular Point Acupressure - Self-Management (APA-SM) Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations.
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
693 participants
Sep 11, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria2
- Receive any pain management for CMP (neck, back, shoulder, hands, hips, knees, feet)
- Have CMP ≥ 4 on a scale of 0-10 that has persisted for at least 3 months or has resulted in pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months
Exclusion Criteria4
- Severe ear skin disorder (Diagnosed with conditions e.g., eczema, lupus with skin involvement) which often require medical intervention and severe allergy to tape
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
- Use of some type of hearing aid where size may obstruct seed placement
- Not living in rural area
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Interventions
APA is a noninvasive and needle-free pain management therapy based on the principles of acupuncture. The APA-SM intervention program is aimed to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain leveraging a mobile app containing APA videos and remote vs in-person guidance or coaching to practice APA based on APA study assignment.
Education Control group receive an app but the content will be specific to pain and self-management (no APA content) and they practice pain self-management skills (no APA practice).
Locations(3)
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NCT07179016