Knee OsteoarthritisC-MPPMNCT07843784
Chatbot-based Pain Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis
A study testing The C-MPPM intervention and Online education in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- What is being tested?
- The C-MPPM intervention and Online education
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 years or above
- Having knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria (Skou et al., 2020)
- Had symptoms of knee OA pain for at least three months
- Having moderate or greater pain (the numeric rating scale score ≥ 4)
- Having a smartphone/computer, internet access, and a WhatsApp account
- Understand Cantonese and informed consent
Who cannot join
- Having clinically diagnosed cognitive impairment or severe memory loss
- Having clinically diagnosed psychotic condition(s)
- Had a total joint replacement knee/hip surgery (or on a waiting list), other knee/hip surgery, meniscus tear, or anterior cruciate ligament tear in the past 6 months
- Had an intra-articular injection in the past 3 months or scheduled during the study period
- Having a serious or terminal illness as indicated by referral to hospice or palliative care
- Having hearing, verbal communication, and vision problems
- Medically unfit for or currently engaging in exercise/psychosocial interventions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Chatbot-based Mindful Physical-psychosocial Pain Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Feasibility Study
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.
Read the detailed description
This study consists of two phases: (1) development of the C-MPPM intervention and (2) a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Phase 1 involves creating coherent conversational flows for the rule-based chatbot incorporating mindfulness training, physical exercise, and social support elements. Phase 2 recruits Hong Kong community-dwelling adults with knee OA to be randomly assigned to receive the 8-week C-MPPM intervention or online education. 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). The control group will receive online education 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. Pre- and post-intervention quantitative assessments will be conducted. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with purposefully selected participants in the intervention group to gather feedback on their general experience, strengths, and limitations of the intervention.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Being tested
- The C-MPPM intervention, Online education
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
The C-MPPM interventionBehavioural
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 educationBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| The C-MPPM intervention | Experimental | 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). Receives: Behavioral: The C-MPPM intervention |
| Online education | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Behavioral: Online education |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Recruitment rate: percentage of eligible individuals approached who provide informed consent, assessed using the recruitment screening log
Measured: From the start of recruitment to the completion of baseline enrollment
Randomisation rate: percentage of consenting participants who are randomised, assessed using the study randomization log
Measured: Baseline
Retention rate: percentage of consenting participants who complete the study, assessed using the study retention log
Measured: Through study completion, an average of two months
Attendance rate: percentage of required practice sessions completed, assessed using the study practice log
Measured: At the end of the intervention, 8 weeks
Adverse events: number of adverse events reported during the study period, assessed using the adverse event reporting log
Measured: Through study completion, an average of two months
Qualitative feedback on intervention acceptability assessed using semi-structured participant interviews
Measured: At the end of the intervention, 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (13)
Knee pain as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale
Knee pain will be assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale. Each item is rated on a Likert scale of 0 (none pain) to 4 (extreme pain).
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Pain intensity as assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale
Pain intensity will be evaluated using the one-item Numerical Rating Scale, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the most imaginable pain).
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Stiffness as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index stiffness subscale
Stiffness will be assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index stiffness subscale. Each item is rated on a Likert scale of 0 (none) to 4 (extreme). A higher total score indicates more severe stiffness.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Physical function as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale
Physical function will be assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale. Each item is rated on a Likert scale of 0 (none) to 4 (extreme). A higher total score indicates more severe physical dysfunction.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Symptomatic knee OA as assessed using the sit-to-stand dynamics index
Symptomatic knee OA will be assessed using the sit-to-stand dynamics index. The sit-to-stand dynamics index ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 representing the highest risk.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Depression as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire
Depression will be assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Threshold total scores of 5, 10, 15, and 20 represent mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression, respectively.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Insomnia as assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index
Insomnia will be as assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Each item is rated on a Likert scale from 0 to 4, with higher total score indicating severer insomnia.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Loneliness as assessed using the De Jong Giverveld Loneliness Scale
Loneliness will be as assessed using the De Jong Giverveld Loneliness Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating higher levels of loneliness.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Quality of life as assessed using the Short Form 12 Health Survey
Quality of life will be as assessed using the Short Form 12 Health Survey. Scores on the scale range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better physical and mental health functioning.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Exercise adherence as assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale
Exercise adherence will be assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale. All items are rated on a Likert scale from 0 (completely agree) to 4 (completely disagree). Higher total scores indicate better adherence to prescribed exercise.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Social support as assessed using the Social Support Questionnaire
Social support will be assessed using the Social Support Questionnaire. The questionnaire measures the number of social support and the satisfaction of social support, with ratings from 1 (very dissatisfied) and 6 (very satisfied).
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Mindfulness as assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale
Mindfulness will be assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Each item is rated on a Likert scale from 1 (almost always) to 6 (rarely), with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Heart rate variability as assessed using the Polar H10 chest strap
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Sep 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Knee OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07843784
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P0058839
- Acronym
- C-MPPM
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Chatbot-based Mindful Physical-psychosocial Pain Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Feasibility Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07843784
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- C-MPPM / P0058839
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This study consists of two phases: (1) development of the C-MPPM intervention and (2) a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Phase 1 involves creating coherent conversational flows for the rule-based chatbot incorporating mindfulness training, physical exercise, and social support elements. Phase 2 recruits Hong Kong community-dwelling adults with knee OA to be randomly assigned to receive the 8-week C-MPPM intervention or online education. 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). The control group will receive online education 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. Pre- and post-intervention quantitative assessments will be conducted. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with purposefully selected participants in the intervention group to gather feedback on their general experience, strengths, and limitations of the intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| The C-MPPM intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: The C-MPPM interventionThe 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 | Active comparator | Behavioral: Online educationThe 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 18 years or above
- Having knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria (Skou et al., 2020)
- Had symptoms of knee OA pain for at least three months
- Having moderate or greater pain (the numeric rating scale score ≥ 4)
- Having a smartphone/computer, internet access, and a WhatsApp account
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Having clinically diagnosed cognitive impairment or severe memory loss
- Having clinically diagnosed psychotic condition(s)
- Had a total joint replacement knee/hip surgery (or on a waiting list), other knee/hip surgery, meniscus tear, or anterior cruciate ligament tear in the past 6 months
- Had an intra-articular injection in the past 3 months or scheduled during the study period
- Having a serious or terminal illness as indicated by referral to hospice or palliative care
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| The C-MPPM interventionThe 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). | Behavioural | The C-MPPM intervention |
| Online educationThe 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. | Behavioural | Online education |
Primary outcome
Recruitment rate: percentage of eligible individuals approached who provide informed consent, assessed using the recruitment screening log
Time frame: From the start of recruitment to the completion of baseline enrollment
Randomisation rate: percentage of consenting participants who are randomised, assessed using the study randomization log
Time frame: Baseline
Retention rate: percentage of consenting participants who complete the study, assessed using the study retention log
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of two months
Attendance rate: percentage of required practice sessions completed, assessed using the study practice log
Time frame: At the end of the intervention, 8 weeks
Adverse events: number of adverse events reported during the study period, assessed using the adverse event reporting log
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of two months
Qualitative feedback on intervention acceptability assessed using semi-structured participant interviews
Time frame: At the end of the intervention, 8 weeks
13 secondary outcomes
Knee pain as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Pain intensity as assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Stiffness as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index stiffness subscale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Physical function as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Symptomatic knee OA as assessed using the sit-to-stand dynamics index
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Depression as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Insomnia as assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Loneliness as assessed using the De Jong Giverveld Loneliness Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Quality of life as assessed using the Short Form 12 Health Survey
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Exercise adherence as assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Social support as assessed using the Social Support Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Mindfulness as assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Heart rate variability as assessed using the Polar H10 chest strap
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks (at the end of the intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Knee Osteoarthritis
Not yet recruiting
Holistic Healing for Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
Recruiting
Effect of Anti-inflammatory Diet in Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, Knee
Active, not recruitingPhase 2/3
Single vs Triple Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, Knee
Not yet recruiting
The Feasibility of a Virtual/Home-based OA Treatment Program in Older Adults With OA and Multimorbidity
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
RecruitingObservational study
Exploring Factors Linked to Worsening Over Time in People With Early-stage Knee Osteoarthritis and Those With Prior Proven Acute Knee Injury.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing The C-MPPM intervention and Online education in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Recruitment rate: percentage of eligible individuals approached who provide informed consent, assessed using the recruitment screening log (time frame: From the start of recruitment to the completion of baseline enrollment). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Oct 2026.