Can mindfulness ease pain and depression in older adults? new study seeks answers
NCT ID NCT07118722
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 26, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This pilot study tests a mindfulness-based program called Quiet Focus, adapted for older Black adults (age 50+) who have both chronic pain and mild depression. Researchers want to see if it's feasible and acceptable, and whether it can improve quality of life and reduce pain interference compared to a standard health program. The study involves 60 participants and is run by Massachusetts General Hospital.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (behavioral intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-drug approach to ease pain and depression in older adults, improving daily life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study (60 people) testing feasibility, not effectiveness. Results may not apply to other groups, and benefits may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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50 to 120 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Participant Inclusion Criteria 1. Older adult (age ≥ 50) 2. All individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in any of the Black racial groups of Africa 3. Pain in muscles, joints, bones, or associated soft tissues (NRS\>4) lasting longer than 3 months 4. Depressed (PHQ-9 score of 5-14) 5. English fluency/literacy 6. Ability and willingness to participate via in-person and video 7. No change to type or dose of antidepressant medications for at least 6 weeks prior to screening 8. Willing to provide informed consent and comply with all aspects of the protocol Participant Exclusion Criteria 1. Moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15) 2. Current substance abuse/dependence 3. Significant cognitive impairment 4. History of more than 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy 5. History of previous training in mindfulness or undergoing counseling more than once a month 6. History of or current diagnosis of psychosis 7. Active suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 item #9 or otherwise reported during screening) or self-harm within the past 90 days 8. Current participation in another behavioral clinical trial
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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