Trial Outcomes & Findings for Interactive Voice Response (IVR)-Based Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain (NCT NCT01025752)

NCT ID: NCT01025752

Last Updated: 2018-08-03

Results Overview

An 11-point NRS for pain was administered to patients, with 0 representing "No Pain" and 10 representing "Worst Possible Pain." Patients were asked to rate the level of pain that best represented their experience of worst pain, least pain and average pain over the past week. We computed the change from baseline.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

134 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Results posted on

2018-08-03

Participant Flow

Veterans with chronic back pain from VA Connecticut Healthcare System and surrounding community areas were recruited from June 2012-July 2015.

Eligibility screening was conducted by the research assistant via interview and medical record review. Participants who enrolled then subsequently found ineligible from further baseline assessment questionnaires were not randomized to a treatment arm, and excluded from the study (i.e. substance abuse, severe depression, cognitive impairment), n=9.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Overall Study
STARTED
62
63
Overall Study
COMPLETED
54
50
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
8
13

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
7
10
Overall Study
Physician Decision
1
3

Baseline Characteristics

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)-Based Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=62 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=63 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Total
n=125 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
59.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.8 • n=5 Participants
56.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.5 • n=7 Participants
57.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.6 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
13 Participants
n=5 Participants
15 Participants
n=7 Participants
28 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
49 Participants
n=5 Participants
48 Participants
n=7 Participants
97 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Balck, not Hispanic
14 Participants
n=5 Participants
18 Participants
n=7 Participants
32 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Hispanic
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
6 Participants
n=7 Participants
9 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White, not Hispanic
43 Participants
n=5 Participants
37 Participants
n=7 Participants
80 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
1 Participants
n=7 Participants
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
62 Participants
n=5 Participants
63 Participants
n=7 Participants
125 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

An 11-point NRS for pain was administered to patients, with 0 representing "No Pain" and 10 representing "Worst Possible Pain." Patients were asked to rate the level of pain that best represented their experience of worst pain, least pain and average pain over the past week. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=54 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=50 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Numeric Rating Scale of Pain Intensity
post-treatment (12 weeks)
-0.77 units on a scale
Interval -1.29 to -0.26
-0.84 units on a scale
Interval -1.39 to -0.29
Change in Numeric Rating Scale of Pain Intensity
3 months post-baseline
-1.23 units on a scale
Interval -1.73 to -0.72
-1.00 units on a scale
Interval -1.52 to -0.48
Change in Numeric Rating Scale of Pain Intensity
6 months post-baseline
-0.51 units on a scale
Interval -1.06 to 0.04
-0.44 units on a scale
Interval -1.01 to 0.14

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

The interference subscale of the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHYMPI) assesses pain-related interference with quality of life. Scores ranging from 0-6, with higher scores indicating more interference. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=53 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=51 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Multidimensional Pain Inventory Interference Subscale
post-treatment (12 weeks)
-0.37 units on a scale
Interval -0.66 to -0.08
-0.04 units on a scale
Interval -0.35 to 0.26
Change in Multidimensional Pain Inventory Interference Subscale
3 months post-baseline
-0.37 units on a scale
Interval -0.73 to 0.0
-0.02 units on a scale
Interval -0.4 to 0.35
Change in Multidimensional Pain Inventory Interference Subscale
6 months post-baseline
-0.12 units on a scale
Interval -0.5 to 0.26
-0.09 units on a scale
Interval -0.48 to 0.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

The RMDQ (Roland \& Morris, 1983) is a 24-item checklist designed for patients to identify the level of disability and functional status associated with chronic low back pain. Patients are instructed to endorse items that describe their functional status that day. Scores range from 0-24, with higher scores indicating more disability. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=53 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=51 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire
post-treatment (12 weeks)
-2.92 units on a scale
Interval -4.16 to -1.69
-2.42 units on a scale
Interval -3.74 to -1.11
Change in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire
3 months post-baseline
-3.38 units on a scale
Interval -4.75 to -2.02
-1.86 units on a scale
Interval -3.25 to -0.46
Change in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire
6 months post-baseline
-2.63 units on a scale
Interval -3.9 to -1.35
-2.02 units on a scale
Interval -3.32 to -0.71

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

The SF-36V is an adaptation of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 (Ware \& Sherbourne, 1992) intended to apply to veteran-specific health-related quality of life. The SF-36 can also be divided into two aggregate summary measures the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). The lower the score, the more disability, range 0-100. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=52 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=48 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Physical Component Scale
post-treatment (12 weeks)
2.20 units on a scale
Interval 0.43 to 3.96
1.91 units on a scale
Interval 0.01 to 3.81
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Physical Component Scale
3 months post-baseline
2.05 units on a scale
Interval 0.09 to 4.02
0.90 units on a scale
Interval -1.15 to 2.95
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Physical Component Scale
6 months post-baseline
1.50 units on a scale
Interval -0.44 to 3.45
2.09 units on a scale
Interval 0.03 to 4.14

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

The SF-36V is an adaptation of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 (Ware \& Sherbourne, 1992) intended to apply to veteran-specific health-related quality of life. The SF-36 can also be divided into two aggregate summary measures the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). The lower the score, the more disability, range 0-100. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=52 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=48 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Mental Component Scale
3 months post-baseline
1.39 units on a scale
Interval -0.86 to 3.64
1.01 units on a scale
Interval -1.33 to 3.35
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Mental Component Scale
6 months post-baseline
0.96 units on a scale
Interval -1.41 to 3.33
-1.47 units on a scale
Interval -3.96 to 1.02
Change in Veterans Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire: Mental Component Scale
post-treatment (12 weeks)
1.67 units on a scale
Interval -0.36 to 3.71
0.42 units on a scale
Interval -1.74 to 2.59

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

Depressive symptom severity was assessed using the BDI-II, higher scores indicate more depressive symptomology, range 0-63. We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=54 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=51 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Beck Depression Inventory-II
post-treatment (12 weeks)
-1.00 units on a scale
Interval -2.79 to 0.78
-1.25 units on a scale
Interval -3.14 to 0.65
Change in Beck Depression Inventory-II
3 months post-baseline
-0.49 units on a scale
Interval -2.61 to 1.64
0.78 units on a scale
Interval -1.4 to 2.96
Change in Beck Depression Inventory-II
6 months post-baseline
0.89 units on a scale
Interval -1.62 to 3.4
1.62 units on a scale
Interval -0.97 to 4.21

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: post-treatment (12 weeks), 3 and 6 months post-baseline

Population: The number analyzed in rows differs because we analyzed the available follow-up questionnaire data for each participant (some participants did not complete the questionnaires at all time points).

The PSQI assess sleep quality, with lower scores indicating better sleep, range 0 to 21.We computed the change from baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=48 Participants
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=49 Participants
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
post-treatment (12 weeks)
-2.03 units on a scale
Interval -2.94 to -1.12
-1.09 units on a scale
Interval -2.06 to -0.11
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
3 months post-baseline
-1.33 units on a scale
Interval -2.21 to -0.44
-1.21 units on a scale
Interval -2.12 to -0.29
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
6 months post-baseline
-0.87 units on a scale
Interval -1.99 to 0.24
-1.25 units on a scale
Interval -2.38 to -0.11

Adverse Events

Arm 1: IVR CBT

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 14 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Arm 2: F2F CBT

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 19 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=62 participants at risk
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=63 participants at risk
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
Infections and infestations
Infection of foot lesion
0.00%
0/62
1.6%
1/63 • Number of events 1
Cardiac disorders
Cardiac disorder event
1.6%
1/62 • Number of events 1
0.00%
0/63

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Arm 1: IVR CBT
n=62 participants at risk
Ten session IVR-based cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain IVR based cognitive behavioral therapy: Ten session cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain using interactive voice response therapy
Arm 2: F2F CBT
n=63 participants at risk
Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain Face to face cognitive behavior therapy: Ten session face to face cognitive behavior therapy for chronic low back pain
General disorders
Trip or Fall
8.1%
5/62 • Number of events 5
9.5%
6/63 • Number of events 7
General disorders
Muscle or joint pain increase
17.7%
11/62 • Number of events 19
23.8%
15/63 • Number of events 19

Additional Information

Dr. Alicia Heapy

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Phone: 203-932-5711

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place