Participate in research
Invitation to participate in UBC research study.
Solving SCI Pain
Pain recovery tools for SCI: A 10-week study |
Who is eligible to participate:
- Have a spinal cord injury (SCI) from a traumatic or non-traumatic cause, experiencing neuropathic/chronic pain
- Are age 18 years or older, and living in Canada
- Can read, speak, and understand English, and have reliable access to connect and communicate online.
- Can commit to 10 weeks of data collection (a check-in every 5th day) starting 3 weeks prior to the 7 week intervention, and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Have an SCI or dysfunction from congenital (e.g., spina bifida), or, other neurological conditions (e.g., MS).
- Are currently enrolled in a pain relief program or counselling
- Are unwilling or unable to keep pain-related medication stable for the 10-week study period
Why should you participate in this study?
Chronic pain is one of the most difficult and life-altering challenges faced by individuals with SCI. By participating in this research study, you will help researchers test a pain recovery tools program for yourself and others with SCI and pain.
What is involved:
Created and led by Robert Buren, a UBC PhD candidate with lived experience of SCI and neuropathic/chronic pain, this 10-week online program is designed to help people with SCI reduce and manage pain by shifting their mindset and behaviours. Through 7 weeks of group education and one-on-one coaching, participants will be encouraged to adopt and use recommended brain- and body-based self-management tools. Frequent surveys will track changes in pain and well-being.
This study will take place: Remotely (online meetings and surveys). Tentative start September 8, 2025.
Time commitment and requirements:
- 10+ weeks: 3 weeks pre-intervention (data collection only); 7 weeks of working together; and, a 3-month follow-up
- For those who believe they meet the criteria and would like to learn more, a short video call to answer questions can be scheduled. This will be followed by a screening survey prior to determining acceptance.
Compensation: Participants will receive program tools, not cash, in exchange for completing data collection.
Why should you participate in this study?
Chronic pain is one of the most difficult and life-altering challenges faced by individuals with SCI. By participating in this research study, you will help researchers test a pain recovery tools program for yourself and others with SCI and pain.
For more information or to participate, please contact the study coordinator [email protected] or by phone at (416) 705-6111.
Other opportunities to participate in research
Virtual rehabilitation
A qualitative semi-structured interview study is conducted to explore the perspectives, needs, and essential characteristics of the individuals with SCI.
