OPTIMISE Feasibility Trial: Improving treatment for chronic whiplash pain

OPTIMISE Feasibility Trial: Improving treatment for chronic whiplash pain

About this trial

OPTIMISE is a feasibility trial testing the application of an established effective treatment for people with recent injury (acute) to people who continue to experience neck pain and disability more than 3 months after a road traffic injury (chronic whiplash).

The trial will evaluate the StressModex program — a combination of physiotherapy exercise and practical stress-management strategies delivered by trained physiotherapists. StressModex has already shown benefits for people with recent neck and/or back pain. This study will test whether it is practical, acceptable and potentially helpful for people with longer-term (chronic) symptoms.

Who can take part

When the trial opens, people may be eligible if they:

• Are aged 18–70 years
• Have neck pain and disability that has lasted more than 3 months (and less than 5 years) after a road traffic injury
• Have at least moderate pain-related disability (checked during screening)
• Do not have certain serious medical or mental health conditions (these will be checked during screening)

What is involved

If you take part when the trial begins you will:

• Receive 6 free physiotherapy sessions over 6 weeks at no cost
• Be randomly allocated to receive either the StressModex program or standard guideline-recommended physiotherapy exercise
• Receive a $50 gift card for each completed assessment (a small number of online surveys and possibly a short interview)

How to take part

The OPTIMISE trial is not yet open for recruitment. We expect to begin inviting participants in early 2027.

If you would like to be notified when the trial opens, please register your interest by emailing the research team:

Register your interest

Contact

Trial Coordinator: Dr William McCann
Email: optimise1@uq.edu.au

Important information

Participation will be completely voluntary and you will be able to withdraw at any time.

Ethics approval for this trial is currently being finalised.

Researchers

Professor Michele Sterling Chief Investigator View profile

Dr Rachel Elphinston Investigator View profile

Dr William McCann Trial Coordinator View profile

If you have questions, contact the research team using the details above.

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