COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXERCISE, COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY, AND THEIR COMBINATION FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AND POOR SLEEP: SLEEPFIT TRIAL
Key facts
- Where
- Brisbane and Camperdown, AustraliaSee the 2 sites
Where in Australia
- The University of Queensland Therapies Building (84A)Brisbane, AustraliaContact: David KlyneNot yet recruiting
- Susan Wakil Health BuildingCamperdown, AustraliaContact: Michelle Hall, PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons) (principal investigator)Taking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Sydney
- Trial code
- NCT07532070
- Record updated
- 5 May 2026
- Original description
This study aims to find out which lifestyle approach works best for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain or hip/knee osteoarthritis) who also have poor sleep. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three 12-month home-based programs: exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or a combination of both. Each program includes up to 10 online sessions with a physiotherapist and guidance on managing pain, sleep, and physical activity. We will measure changes in pain, sleep quality, and overall health using questionnaires, wearable devices, sensory tests, and blood samples. The goal is to improve understanding of non-medication treatments for pain and sleep problems.Read full original descriptionShow less
This study aims to find out which lifestyle approach works best for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain or hip/knee osteoarthritis) who also have poor sleep. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three 12-month home-based programs: exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or a combination of both. Each program includes up to 10 online sessions with a physiotherapist and guidance on managing pain, sleep, and physical activity. We will measure changes in pain, sleep quality, and overall health using questionnaires, wearable devices, sensory tests, and blood samples. The goal is to improve understanding of non-medication treatments for pain and sleep problems.
Inclusion: An average pain of ≥4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS); 0 equals no pain, 10 equals worst pain possible over the last week; ≥11 on the Insomnia Severity Index; Access to a computer/laptop/tablet with internet availability for videoconferencing consultations; Willing and able to participate in video consultations; Verification that participants recruited in the US are beneficiaries of the Military Health System.
Exclusion: Current or previous engagement in CBT-I in the past 6 months; Received an injection of any substance into the study pain site in the previous 3 months; Had within the past 12 months, or waiting or planning surgery in the next 12 months; Cognitive impairment (based on ≥7 on the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test; Neurological or systemic conditions that may affect physical function (e.g. Parkinson's, Active cancers, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis); Failing the American College of Sports Medicine pre-participation Health Screening Questionnaire without medical clearance to participate; Self-report engagement in >120 minute per week of at least moderate intensity physical activity within the past 6 months; Waiting or planning to receive an injection in the study pain site in the next 12 months; Unable to give informed consent and/or participate in the intervention and assessment procedures; Unable to speak or read English.