Join the ENGAGE study for adults 65 and older with long-term pain

Do you live with joint, muscle or back pain? The ENGAGE research study will test ways to help older adults move more and care for their health. The study is led by the WashU Medicine Living Well Center in St. Louis. 

What is the ENGAGE study?

ENGAGE is a four-month study for adults age 65 and older who have Original Medicare. It is for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This means pain in the bones, joints, muscles or other tissues that lasts for more than three months. Examples include arthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia.

The study will look at how daily habits may affect pain and health. These habits include movement, food, sleep, stress, social ties and the use of tobacco or other risky substances.

Researchers will study whether this type of support can help people:

• Move more
• Have less pain or keep pain from getting in the way as much
• Improve signs of health in the blood
• Need less health care over time

Who may be able to join?

You may qualify if you:

• Are age 65 or older
• Have Original Medicare, also called Medicare fee-for-service
• Have pain on most days or every day for more than three months
• Have pain from a problem with your bones, joints, muscles or other tissues
• Have at least one other health concern listed below

Other health concerns may include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or other unhealthy blood fat levels
• Overweight or obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Prediabetes or diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Depression or anxiety

The study will first recruit people in the Greater St. Louis area. Some online visits may be offered to people who are in Missouri or Illinois.

You may not be able to join if exercise is not safe for you or if you plan to have major surgery in the next four months. The study team will review your health and tell you if you qualify.

What will happen if I join?

First, you will fill out a short form. A study team member will contact you to ask more questions. If you qualify and want to join, the team will explain the study and ask you to sign a consent form.

You will then be placed into one of two groups by chance. You cannot pick your group. This helps the team compare the two groups in a fair way.

Group 1: Full program group

People in this group will take part in the WashU Medicine Living Well Center program. The main program has:

• One private visit with a lifestyle medicine doctor or nurse practitioner
• Four group visits that are about one hour each

The group visits take place once a week. Make-up visits will be available. Some visits may be in person. Some may be online.

The care team includes a doctor or nurse practitioner, dietitian, athletic trainer, nurse, counselor and community health worker. The team will help you make a plan that fits your health, culture, food choices and goals.

You will learn and practice ways to:

• Move safely while living with pain
• Choose foods that support your health
• Sleep better
• Manage stress
• Build healthy social ties
• Avoid tobacco and other risky substances

You may also choose extra visits and support. A nurse can help guide your care. A community health worker can help you find local services that fit your needs and interests. You will also have online tools, such as movement videos and recipes.

Group 2: Health information group

People in this group will receive trusted written information about healthy habits, such as moving your body, eating healthy foods, getting restful sleep, stress management, building healthy social ties and avoiding the use of tobacco or other risky substances. They will also get a list of helpful programs in the St. Louis area.

What will all study members do?

No matter which group you are in, you will complete study steps at the start and again at four months. These steps include:

• Health questions
• A blood draw
• A check of your body weight

You may also choose to have a body composition scan at the Living Well Center. This scan shows body fat and muscle. It will be offered at the start and again at four months. The study will include blood tests for inflammation and other health signs that insurance may not cover. These tests will be provided at no cost. If you wish, a trained person can come to you for the blood draw.

All study members will also receive a resistance exercise band.

Receive up to $75

Participants can receive:

• $25 gift card after you finish the first health questions, weight measurement and blood draw
• $50 gift card after you finish the four-month health questions, weight measurement and blood draw. If you are in the full program group, you must also attend the five main program visits.

The most you can receive is $75 in gift cards.

Why take part in this study?

Long-term pain can make it hard to move, sleep and enjoy daily life. ENGAGE offers a chance to learn more about how simple changes to your daily habits can impact your health and pain. If you are placed in the full program group, you will work with a team that understands pain and healthy living.

Your participation may also help researchers learn how to improve care for other older adults with long-term pain. The goal is to find care that supports the whole person and uses Medicare dollars wisely.

Taking part is your choice. Before you join, the study team will explain the steps, possible risks, privacy rules and your rights. You can ask questions before you decide.

About the WashU Medicine Living Well Center

The WashU Medicine Living Well Center has helped adults build healthy habits since 2018. Its team brings many types of care together in one program. The center is on the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital campus in St. Louis County.

See if you may qualify

Filling out the short form is the first step. It does not mean that you have joined the study. 

Have questions? 

Call XXX-XXX-XXXX or email [email protected]. 

 

Frequently asked questions 

How long is the study?

The study lasts four months.

Do I get to choose my study group?

No. A computer will place you into one of two groups by chance. This is called random assignment.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is Medicare Part A and Part B from the federal government. It is also called Medicare fee-for-service. This study is not for people with a Medicare Advantage plan.

Can I join if I do not get care at WashU Medicine or BJC HealthCare?

You may be able to join. Fill out the eligibility form, and the study team will review your information.

Can I take part from home?

Some visits may be online. Make-up visits may also be offered. Some optional study steps, such as the body composition scan at the Living Well Center, must be done in person. The team can tell you what options are open to you.