Current Environment:

Assessing the Relationship between Sleep, Pain, and Cognition in Chronic Pain

Principal Investigator: Joe Kossowsky, PhD, MMSc
Collaborators: Julie Shulman, PT, DPT, PhD, Edin Randall, PhD, Christine Greco, MD
Research Staff: Justin Chimoff, BS, Mikayla Culpo, MSN, RN, CPNP, and Kelsey Jervis

What is the purpose of this study?
We are conducting this research study to learn more about the relationship between sleep, pain, and cognition in adolescents suffering from chronic pain compared to otherwise healthy adolescents using a wearable device and digitalized cognitive tests.

What does the study involve?
For adolescents with chronic pain: If you agree to participate, you will be asked to wear a Fitbit watch during your PPRC stay for 4 weeks. Three times a week during this time, you will complete a 5-minute digital cognitive task and questionnaire in the morning and afternoon. We will administer a cognitive assessment at the beginning, middle, and end of your PPRC treatment. You will also complete one questionnaire and cognitive test 6 weeks following discharge from the PPRC.

For otherwise healthy adolescents: If you agree to participate, you will be asked to wear a Fitbit watch for 4 weeks. Three times a week during this time, you will complete a 5-minute digital cognitive task and questionnaire in the morning and afternoon. You can complete this study from home and do not need to come to Boston Children’s Hospital for any visits.

Who is eligible to participate?
You can participate if you: 

  • Are between 8 to 18 years of age with chronic pain
  • Are able to wear the Fitbit watch
  • Are able to comprehend instructions in English

You can participate as a healthy control if you:

  • Are between 8 to 18 years of age without chronic pain
  • Are able to wear the Fitbit watch
  • Are able to comprehend instructions in English

Will I receive payment for this study?
As a token of appreciation for your time and participation in the study, adolescents with chronic pain will receive a $50 Amazon gift card after completing the study, and otherwise healthy control participants will receive a $30 Amazon gift card at the end of the study.

Primary Contact Information
Justin Chimoff
justin.chimoff@childrens.harvard.edu
617-877-0014