UMass Chan Study Explores Mindfulness as Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School are conducting a multi-site study investigating the potential of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as a non-pharmacological approach to managing chronic low back pain. The study, titled Integrative Mindfulness-Based Predictive Approach for Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment (IMPACT), aims to determine how artificial intelligence can help identify individuals most likely to benefit from this intervention.
Chronic low back pain is a widespread condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions, often affecting sleep, mood, physical activity, and overall well-being. While current standard care frequently involves medication and physical therapy, the study seeks to provide individuals with an additional tool for pain management.
Building on Decades of Mindfulness Research
The IMPACT study builds upon the foundation of MBSR, an evidence-based intervention originally developed over 50 years ago at UMass Chan by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, professor emeritus of medicine. The eight-week program incorporates meditation, mindful movement, and awareness practices designed to help individuals alter their response to pain and stress.
“This work feels like coming home,” said Paula Gardiner, MD, associate professor of family medicine &. community health and a member of the research team. “MBSR was developed here, and now we’re studying it in a rigorous way to better understand how it can help people living with chronic pain.”
A 350-Person Clinical Trial
The current clinical trial involves 350 participants and is a collaboration between UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and Boston Medical Center. Participants are enrolled in weekly Zoom-based mindfulness sessions led by a certified instructor. Over the course of eight weeks, they learn meditation techniques, mindful movement exercises, and skills focused on present-moment awareness without judgment.
Researchers are also utilizing wearable technology, specifically Fitbits, to track participants’ physical activity and sleep patterns throughout the six-month study period. This data, combined with survey responses, will be analyzed using predictive machine learning to identify factors that correlate with positive outcomes from MBSR.
Addressing the Fear of Movement
“Chronic pain is incredibly complex,” Dr. Gardiner explained. “It affects sleep, stress, mood and how people interact with their families. Mindfulness helps people notice what’s happening in their bodies and minds so they can make choices that support their well-being.”
A key aspect of the study focuses on addressing the fear of movement often experienced by individuals with chronic low back pain. “When people have chronic low back pain, they’re often afraid that movement will make their pain worse,” Dr. Gardiner said. “That fear of movement—what we call catastrophizing—can limit recovery. We’re studying whether mindfulness can help reduce that fear and support healthier activity.”
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
The study leverages artificial intelligence not to deliver treatment, but to predict who might benefit most from MBSR. Jean King, PhD, adjunct professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences and medicine at UMass Chan and Morgan Endowed Chair of biology and biotechnology at WPI, serves as the corresponding principal investigator. David McManus, MD’02, MSc’12, the Richard M. Haidack Professor in Medicine, chair and professor of medicine, and Apurv Soni, MD, PhD’21, assistant professor of medicine, also serve as principal investigators.
“This is truly an amazing team,” Dr. King stated. “I would like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. McManus, Dr. Gardener and Dr. Soni, along with the rest of the UMass Chan team for their diligence, commitment and scientific rigor. I am convinced that this research will be transformative for many pain sufferers globally.”
Mindfulness: Not Ignoring Pain, But Changing the Relationship to It
Dr. Gardiner emphasized that mindfulness is not about eliminating pain, but rather about changing one’s relationship to it. “For people living with chronic pain, it can feel isolating and invisible,” she said. “This program helps people recognize they’re not alone—and that they have skills they can develop to live their lives as fully as possible.”
While national clinical guidelines recommend mindfulness as a nonpharmacological option for both acute and chronic low back pain, it is not consistently covered by insurance. The researchers hope that demonstrating the effectiveness of MBSR, and identifying those most likely to respond, will lead to increased access to this treatment option.
The IMPACT study is currently recruiting an additional 300 adults across Massachusetts. Interested individuals can find more information and enrollment details here. A pilot phase of the study involving 50 participants has already been successfully completed.
The UMass Memorial Health Center for Mindfulness, affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School, offers a range of mindfulness programs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These programs are informed by decades of research and clinical experience.
