EmpowerSpine is an internet-delivered educational program designed to support self-management of chronic pain in individuals who have experienced spinal cord injury (SCI). The program consists of 5 core lessons to equip participants with evidence-based tools, including education about pain biology, behavioral strategies to manage daily activities, and techniques to improve self-monitoring and resilience. Previous research has found that multidisciplinary approaches for pain management based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in improving coping with pain in individuals’ post-SCI (Mehta et al., 2020). Additionally, our ongoing research on internet-delivered interventions has shown the potential to improve access to health care services, improve the rehabilitation process, and help people gain skills to better control their wellbeing symptoms and improve their confidence, to get back to living a full, satisfying life.

 

We are currently recruiting participants to enroll in this research study. If you are interested, you must agree to the following prior to being eligible: 

 

 

Click here to participate in the research study

 

Commonly Asked Questions:

 

How was the EmpowerSpine Program developed?

The EmpowerSpine program was developed by Dr. Swati Mehta (Lawson Health Research Institute), Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos (University of Regina), and Dr. Blake Dear (Macquarie University, Australia). It was adapted and tailored at Lawson Research Institute by Dr. Swati Mehta and team through collaborations with persons with live experience, researchers, specialized clinicians, care-partners, and representatives from the community service provider (Spinal Cord Injury Ontario; SCI-O). In this research study, our team will examine the effectiveness of different components of the EmpowerSpine program to better understand which yield the best outcomes. 

 

What will this research study do for me?

The EmpowerSpine program aims to provide education and guidance on simple but effective techniques for managing symptoms. The core lessons of EmpowerSpine provide education to equip to equip participants with evidence-based tools, including education about pain biology, behavioral strategies to manage daily activities, and techniques to improve self-monitoring and resilience. 

 

How does the EmpowerSpine program work?

The EmpowerSpine Program is a online self-directed 10-week program comprising 5 core lessons. Depending on the complexity of the lesson, it is recommended that participants spend 1-2 hours on each of the given lessons. Lessons consist of educational and engaging materials that are accessed online, and “Do it Yourself” (DIY) activities and resources that are reviewed offline, as well as additional resources for common concerns.

 

How will my progress in the research study be observed?

Participants will complete questionnaires prior to the start of the program, before each lesson of the program, once they have completed the program, and 3 months after completing the program. The questionnaires will assess the impact of the course on chronic pain. 

 

Who can take part in this research study?

The EmpowerSpine study is open to Canadian residents and is designed for individuals who experience chronic pain following a spinal cord injury, that are 18 years of age or older, and comfortable using and have access to the Internet. We request but do not require a local medical contact available in case of emergencies. The course is not recommended if you have severe problems with alcohol or drugs, mania, psychosis, or strong thoughts of suicide. 

 

Who can answer my questions about the EmpowerSpine program research study? 

If you have any questions regarding this research study, you can contact Batool Rahal at brahal@uwo.ca

 

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in participating in the EmpowerSpine program research study, please register below and follow the instructions.

 

Click here to participate in the research study