Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Telomeric Activity in Patients With Chronic Pain

Impact of Lifestyle Changes Via the Complete Health Improvement Program on Telomerase Activity and Telomere Length in Patients With Chronic Pain

The current project will use the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) as an intervention for patients with chronic pain. CHIP is a nationally recognized program that encourages a diet of whole plant-based foods, moderate exercise, stress reduction, and social support. Patients with chronic pain who enroll in CHIP classes will be monitored and compared to patients with chronic pain who are not enrolled in CHIP classes. It is hypothesized that patients who complete CHIP will have increased telomerase activity and longer relative telomere length at follow-up when compared to those who do not enroll in the program. Chromosomes consist of DNA that contains the genetic makeup of an individual; and telomeres are the caps on these chromosomes that protect them from damage. Telomere shortening occurs normally with aging and once they are too short to replicate cellular death occurs. Telomerase is a ribonucleic protein that counterbalances this shortening by extending the ends of chromosomes. Research has shown that patients with chronic pain may have shorter telomeres relative to others of the same age. This study will investigate this association further.

The Complete Health Improvement Program is a nationally recognized program that encourages a diet of whole plant based foods, moderate exercise, stress reduction, and social support.

Assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form. Measures pain intensity from 0 to 10, 10 being pain as bad as you can imagine. Also measures the extent to which pain interferes with daily functioning (0 - 10 possible, with 10 indicating completely interferes).

Fasting lipid profile (i.e., HDL, LDL, triglycerides) modification as a result of lifestyle change at 1-year follow-up

The RAND-36 item short form survey. High score indicates more favorable health state. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 100.

The RAND-36 item short form survey. High score indicates more favorable health state. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 100.

The 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.

The 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.

Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Higher score indicates greater depressed mood. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 60.

Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Higher score indicates greater depressed mood. Minimum score 0 Maximum score 60.

Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Higher score indicates greater perceived social support. Minimum score 1 Maximum score 7.

Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Higher score indicates greater perceived social support. Minimum score 1 Maximum score 7.

Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire. Higher score indicate greater health promotion. Minimum score 1 Maximum score 4.

Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire. Higher score indicate greater health promotion. Minimum score 1 Maximum score 4.

Assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form. Measures pain intensity from 0 to 10, 10 being pain as bad as you can imagine. Also measures the extent to which pain interferes with daily functioning (0 - 10 possible, with 10 indicating completely interferes).

Inclusion Criteria: 40-70 years old Physician confirmed chronic pain diagnosis for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy Physical or mental condition that limits ability to provide consent or answer questionnaires

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