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Chatbot-based Pain Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain, stiffness, impaired physical function, and associated psychosocial issues such as depression, insomnia, and loneliness. This feasibility study develops and evaluates a chatbot-based mindful physical-psychosocial pain management (C-MPPM) intervention grounded in the biopsychosocial model. The 8-week rule-based chatbot (Cantonese, voice-enabled) delivers integrated mindfulness training, tailored physical exercises, and social support. A feasibility randomised controlled trial will explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the C-MPPM intervention among people with knee OA. Findings will inform a future full-scale randomised controlled trial and provide scalable, accessible pain management solutions for community-dwelling individuals with knee OA.
Official title: Chatbot-based Mindful Physical-psychosocial Pain Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Feasibility Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2026-09
Completion Date
2027-03
Last Updated
2026-10-16
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
The C-MPPM intervention
The C-MPPM intervention includes eight weekly sessions: Session 1 - Orientation and engagement; Session 2 - Awareness and acceptance; Session 3 - Non-judgement; Session 4 - Response without reacting; Session 5 - Self-compassion and mindful communication; Session 6 - Managing difficulties and social support; Session 7 - Seek out pleasant things and social connection; and Session 8 - Review the programme and future plan. Following the completion of each session (around one hour), participants will also be reminded to practice mindful exercises as homework in the following week (at least five days per week with 30 minutes each day).
Online education
The control group will receive online educational messages via WhatsApp over eight weeks, which includes information on World Health Organization-recommended physical activity, encouragement, and practical tips for exercises based on OA management guidelines. The online education will not include mindfulness or social support strategies. Participants in this group will be instructed to engage in online education for one hour per week.
Locations (1)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong