Talking therapy may ease veterans' post-surgery pain

NCT ID NCT03965897

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Iowa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a short behavioral program called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could reduce pain and improve function in veterans at risk for persistent pain after knee replacement. 402 veterans were randomly assigned to ACT or an attention control group. Researchers tracked pain, function, anxiety, and depression for 6 months after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - a brief behavioral intervention
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help veterans recover better after knee surgery, reducing pain and improving daily function.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results may not apply to all patients. The intervention is behavioral, so benefits depend on individual engagement and may not be dramatic.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder osteoarthritis, knee Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY ARTHROPLASTY REPLACEMENT, KNEE DEPRESSION FUNCTION PAIN VETERANS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Iowa City VAMC

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

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