RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Non-Medication Methods to Relieve Adolescents with Somatoform Disorders

This research is exploring if gentle activities like Tai Chi and relaxation techniques can help teenagers aged 12 to 19 who experience ongoing physical symptoms, such as tummy aches or headaches, that don't have a clear medical cause. These types of symptoms can really impact a young person's daily life, affecting school, friends, and family, often leading to many doctor visits. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining slow movements, deep breathing, and focus. It's thought to help with pain, stress, and mood. This study will measure whether taking part in five weeks of Tai Chi sessions can reduce symptoms, pain levels, and healthcare visits, while improving school attendance and overall quality of life. It also aims to see if it helps with anxiety and depression.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

06 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

04 Oct 2025

Chronic Somatoform Disorders in Adolescents

What is this study about?

This research wants to find out if gentle practices like Tai Chi and relaxation can help teenagers aged 12 to 19 who have ongoing physical symptoms that can't be fully explained by a medical diagnosis. You might hear these symptoms called 'somatoform disorders.' These can be things like tummy aches, headaches, or feeling tired all the time, even when doctors have done many tests and can't find a specific illness.

These types of unexplained physical symptoms can be really tough for young people. They often lead to a lot of doctor's appointments, missed school, and can make it harder to spend time with friends or enjoy family life. Sometimes, these physical feelings can also be linked with feelings of worry or sadness. While medicines are sometimes used, they don't always work for everyone, so researchers are keen to explore other ways to help.

Tai Chi is a very old Chinese practice that involves slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and a calm, focused mind. It's a bit like a moving meditation. It's been shown to help adults and children with things like chronic pain, stress, and even anxiety. Because it's gentle, non-violent, and focuses on both the mind and body, it could be a really good option for teenagers struggling with these unexplained physical symptoms. This study aims to see if it can improve their physical comfort, manage stress, lift their mood, and make their daily lives better overall.

Key takeaways

Exploring Tai Chi for unexplained physical symptoms in teens.
Aims to reduce pain, stress, and improve mood.
Non-medical approach, gentle movements and breathing.
Could help improve daily life, school, and friendships.
Involves 5 weeks of Tai Chi sessions and questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, young people need to be between 12 and 19 years old. They should be experiencing physical symptoms that doctors haven't been able to fully explain. It's also important that they can understand instructions given by the study team and are physically able to do the Tai Chi movements.

The study team will chat with the teenagers and their parents to make sure everyone understands what the research involves and is happy to take part.

There are some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if they find it hard to take part in a group activity or if they have difficulty understanding or reading French, as this study is taking place in France and materials might be in French. Refusing to take part, of course, would also mean not joining the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 19 years old?
Do you have ongoing physical symptoms (like headaches, tummy aches) that doctors haven't fully explained?
Can you understand simple instructions and communicate your thoughts?
Are you physically able to join in with gentle Tai Chi movements?
Are you and your parents happy to learn more about the study and potentially take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a teenager decides to take part in this study, they will attend Tai Chi sessions over five weeks. Before they start, the research team will ask them about their symptoms, pain levels, any medicines they use, how often they visit the doctor, and how often they miss school. They'll also complete some questionnaires to help understand their anxiety and mood.

During the five weeks, they'll learn and practice Tai Chi and relaxation techniques. After the five weeks, the team will check in again and ask the same questions and complete the same questionnaires to see if anything has changed. They'll also have a chat to understand what they thought about the Tai Chi, what helped, and if anything made it difficult to do. All of this helps the researchers understand the effects of Tai Chi and how it feels to participate, aiming to gather information that will help improve help for adolescents down the line.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer several benefits, such as potentially reducing your physical symptoms, lessening pain, helping you manage stress, and improving your mood and overall well-being through Tai Chi and relaxation. There are generally very few risks associated with Tai Chi, as it involves gentle movements. However, as with any physical activity, there's a slight chance of minor muscle strain, especially if movements aren't done correctly. The study team will guide participants to minimise this. Remember, you can choose to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

The Mondor Clinical Research Unit (URC Mondor)
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'somatoform disorders'?

These are when you have physical symptoms like tummy aches or headaches, but doctors can't find a clear medical reason for them, even after tests.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing exercise from China that combines slow movements, deep breathing, and mental focus. It's often described as a 'moving meditation'.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

No, this study is about adding Tai Chi and relaxation *alongside* any treatment you currently have. It does not involve stopping medication.

How long will the Tai Chi sessions last?

The study involves Tai Chi sessions over a period of five weeks. The exact length of each session isn't detailed, but they are designed to be accessible for teenagers.

Who is running this study?

This research is being conducted by a team from the Trousseau Hospital's adolescent medicine unit.

How to find out more

Marie DEVERNAY, Dr

marie.devernay@aphp.fr +33 01 71 73 86 16 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.