Scientific literature provides evidence for the importance of behavioral treatments for chronic pain patients. Pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking care among Veterans of all wars, and among all Veterans, chronic, non-malignant neuromusculoskeletal pain is the most commonly diagnosed medical problem. Many Veterans in chronic pain use avoidance strategies to dampen the intensity of pain, as is often seen in social behaviors and movement. Although the VA stresses the interdisciplinary approach to pain management, standard therapy for chronic pain still relies heavily on the use of opioids. Thus, an effective non-pharmacological pain therapy that reduces the effects of pain and the usage of opioid medications would be a significant benefit to all chronic pain patients. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback is a complementary, non-pharmacological technique for improvement autonomic function that we propose in this study will reduce pain ratings and improve sleep, activity, cognition, and quality of life for Veteran pain patients.

Public Health Relevance

Scientific literature provides evidence for the importance of behavioral treatments for chronic pain patients. Pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking care among Veterans of all wars, and among all Veterans, chronic, non-malignant neuromusculoskeletal pain is the most commonly diagnosed medical problem. Many Veterans in chronic pain use avoidance strategies to dampen the intensity of pain, as is often seen in social behaviors and movement. Although the VA stresses the interdisciplinary approach to pain management, standard therapy for chronic pain still relies heavily on the use of opioids. Thus, an effective non-pharmacological pain therapy that reduces the effects of pain and the usage of opioid medications would be a significant benefit to all chronic pain patients. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback is a complementary, non-pharmacological technique for improvement autonomic function that we propose in this study will reduce pain ratings and improve sleep, activity, cognition, and quality of life for Veteran pain patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Type
Non-HHS Research Projects (I01)
Project #
5I01CX001182-04
Application #
9518529
Study Section
Clinical Trials - A (CLNA)
Project Start
2015-07-01
Project End
2019-06-30
Budget Start
2018-07-01
Budget End
2019-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Veterans Health Administration
Department
Type
DUNS #
086371846
City
Columbia
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29209