Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jul 12, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 28, 2025
An online gamified pain management programme for adults with chronic pain: protocol of a randomized controlled trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Chronic pain, affecting physical, psychological and social functioning, remains a global challenge. While biopsychosocial approaches are recommended, adherence to traditional interventions is often low due to lack of engagement.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an online gamified pain management (GPM) on a sample of adults with chronic non-cancer pain via a randomized controlled trial.
Methods:
A two-arm, double-blind RCT will recruit 220 participants via Chinese hospitals and online platforms. Eligible participants will be randomized to 2 groups: a 10-week GPM program and a control group receiving routine online pain management materials. Primary outcomes including pain intensity and interference, and secondary outcomes including fear avoidance, emotion, exercise adherence, quality of life, and user satisfaction will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (10 weeks), and 3-month follow-up. Mixed-design ANOVA and intention-to-treat analysis will evaluate intervention effects.
Results:
The trial is registered (ChiCTR-xxxxxxx) with recruitment ongoing from July 2025 to January 2026. A total of 220 participants (110 per group) will be recruited.
Conclusions:
The findings will address a critical gap by examining a novel gamified intervention within a theory-driven design on engaging solution to improve self-management in chronic pain populations. Clinical Trial: ChiCTR2400094247
Citation
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