Walking away from pain: new hope for veterans with opioid addiction
NCT ID NCT05051644
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a walking program for veterans with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Sixty veterans receiving medication for opioid addiction took part. The program included pain education and a step-by-step walking plan using a pedometer. The goal was to see if this approach was feasible and acceptable for managing pain.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- behavioral intervention: pain education and a pedometer-assisted walking program
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to help people with opioid use disorder cope with chronic pain.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small, early-phase study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The walking program may not work for all types of pain.
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
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2022
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet DSM5 criteria for OUD and receiving stable (i.e., unchanged in 2 weeks) dose of OAT (i.e., buprenorphine or methadone) in VACHS outpatient addiction clinic * Report high impact or bothersome chronic pain defined by experiencing pain on most days or every day in the past 3 months that limits general activity or enjoyment * Self-reported ability to walk 1 block * Access to a mobile phone with active data plan Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated major psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder) * Current (i.e., past month) active suicidal ideation * Substance use disorder requiring inpatient detoxification * Currently engaged in CBT for chronic pain treatment * Planned surgical intervention for pain
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
West Haven, Connecticut, 06516-2770, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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