Chatbot program for managing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults with knee osteoarthritis and ongoing knee pain. Participants need a smartphone or computer, internet, WhatsApp, and must understand Cantonese.

Age

18 years or older

Sex

All sexes

Disease stage

Knee osteoarthritis by the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria. Knee pain for at least three months. Moderate or worse pain (score of 4 or more on a numeric pain rating scale).

Earlier treatment

No total knee or hip replacement, other knee or hip surgery in the past 6 months, and not on a waiting list for joint replacement. No joint injection in the past 3 months, and none planned during the study. Not currently doing exercise or psychosocial programmes.

Main reasons for not taking part

• Diagnosed memory or thinking problems, or severe memory loss
• Diagnosed psychotic illness
• Meniscus tear or anterior cruciate ligament tear in the past 6 months
• Serious or end-stage illness with referral to hospice or palliative care
• Hearing, speech or vision problems, or medically unfit for exercise or psychosocial programmes

The registry criteria, word for word

What the trial wants to find out

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain, stiffness, impaired physical function, and associated psychosocial issues such as depression, insomnia, and loneliness. This feasibility study develops and evaluates a chatbot-based mindful physical-psychosocial pain management (C-MPPM) intervention grounded in the biopsychosocial model. The 8-week rule-based chatbot (Cantonese, voice-enabled) delivers integrated mindfulness training, tailored physical exercises, and social support. A feasibility randomised controlled trial will explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the C-MPPM intervention among people with knee OA. Findings will inform a future full-scale randomised controlled trial and provide scalable, accessible pain management solutions for community-dwelling individuals with knee OA.

The 2 groups in the trial

• The C-MPPM interventionTreatment being tested

  The C-MPPM intervention includes eight weekly sessions: Session 1 - Orientation and engagement; Session 2 - Awareness and acceptance; Session 3 - Non-judgement; Session 4 - Response without reacting; Session 5 - Self-compassion and mindful communication; Session 6 - Managing difficulties and social support; Session 7 - Seek out pleasant things and social connection; and Session 8 - Review the programme and future plan. Following the completion of each session (around one hour), participants will also be reminded to practice mindful exercises as homework in the following week (at least five days per week with 30 minutes each day).

• Online educationExisting treatment, for comparison

  The control group will receive online educational messages via WhatsApp over eight weeks, which includes information on World Health Organization-recommended physical activity, encouragement, and practical tips for exercises based on OA management guidelines. The online education will not include mindfulness or social support strategies. Participants in this group will be instructed to engage in online education for one hour per week.