Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Dance-therapy and Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be really tough, especially for young people, often leading to a fear of moving and anxiety. This study is looking into whether dance therapy can be a helpful, non-drug approach for young people aged 12 to 20 who have specific types of long-lasting pain, like chronic tension headaches or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The researchers believe that therapies involving movement and art, such as dance, could help in several ways. They hope it will reduce pain intensity, lessen anxiety, improve mood, and challenge the fear of movement that often comes with chronic pain. While other art therapies have been used, this study focuses specifically on dance because it's body-centred and hasn't been widely studied in this age group for chronic pain conditions. The goal is to see if dance can improve their overall well-being and help them live better with their pain.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

210

Start

01 May 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2029

Chronic Pain Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Tension-Type Headache

What is this study about?

When pain lasts a long time – what doctors call chronic pain – it can really affect a person's life. For young people, it often means they start to fear movement because they're worried it will make their pain worse. This often leads to avoiding activities which can then make them feel even worse about their body.

Doctors know that treatments that don't involve medication, like different types of therapy, can be really important. Things like art therapy have already shown promise in helping people with pain. They've been able to reduce how intense the pain feels, lower anxiety, and improve mood and general well-being. However, these art therapies don't often involve body movement and they haven't been studied much in children and teenagers.

This study wants to explore a specific type of art therapy called dance therapy. The idea is to see if engaging in dance, which focuses on body movement and expression, can help young people aged 12 to 20 who are living with chronic pain, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or long-lasting tension headaches. The researchers hope that dance therapy will help them overcome their fear of movement, reduce their pain and anxiety, and ultimately improve their quality of life. Think of it as using creative movement to help the mind and body cope better with pain.

Key takeaways

Exploring dance therapy for young people with chronic pain.
Aims to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear of movement.
Targets ages 12-20 with specific chronic pain conditions.
Non-pharmacological approach, not a replacement for current treatment.
Focuses on body-centred art therapy to improve overall well-being.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people between 12 and 20 years old, both boys and girls. To join, you need to have been diagnosed with either Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or chronic tension-type headaches by a specialist at a Pain Management Centre. It's important that you're already being looked after by one of these centres, as it means your pain hasn't been fully helped by standard treatments.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have other types of headaches, certain other brain conditions, severe mental health problems, or other long-term illnesses like cancer or autoimmune diseases. If your difficulty moving isn't related to CRPS or headaches, or if you can't communicate easily (like being deaf or hard of hearing), you also wouldn't be able to join. Sorry, but if you or your parents don't speak or read French, you also can't take part, as the study materials are in French. Pregnant individuals and professional dancers or yoga instructors are also excluded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 20 years old?
Do you have chronic tension-type headaches or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Are you currently seeing a specialist at a Pain Management Centre for your condition?
Do you not have other serious long-term illnesses or neurological conditions?
Are you able to speak and read French (as the study is in French)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves attending dance therapy sessions. The details of how many sessions, how long they last, and over what period aren't fully described here, but it would involve regular participation. Before starting and at different points throughout, you would likely have assessments to measure your pain levels, anxiety, mood, and how you feel about your body and movement. These assessments might involve filling out questionnaires, and possibly some physical tests. You wouldn't be given any new medication as part of this study as it focuses on non-drug therapy. The total duration of your participation would be fully explained to you before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some benefits, such as potentially reducing your pain and anxiety, improving your mood, and helping you feel more comfortable with movement. However, like any study, there's no guarantee it will help everyone. There are minimal risks associated with dance therapy, mostly the possibility of mild muscle soreness, similar to starting any new exercise. All activities will be supervised to ensure your safety. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon (CRNL)- INSERM U1028 - NEUROPAIN laboratory
Verified postcode
Bron, France

Common questions

What kind of dance will we be doing?

The study describes it as 'dance-therapy', which usually means creative movement focused on expression and well-being rather than just learning strict dance moves. The specific style would be explained by the therapists.

Do I need to be good at dancing to join?

No, this is about therapy through movement, not about performing or having dance skills. It's about how movement can help you feel better, not how 'good' you are at it.

Will this replace my current pain treatments?

No, this study explores dance therapy as an additional approach. You would continue with your standard medical care from your Pain Management Centre.

How long will the study last if I join?

The information provided doesn't specify the exact duration, but the research team would clearly explain the full timeline, including the number of sessions and assessments, before you agree to participate.

Who will be running the dance therapy sessions?

The sessions would be led by trained therapists experienced in dance therapy, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

How to find out more

Maud FROT, INSERM Researcher

maud.frot@univ-lyon1.fr 04 72 35 78 88 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.