Sleep and musculoskeletal pain study in Australia

The University of Sydney’s SLEEPFIT study is evaluating the effectiveness of different lifestyle programs for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and poor sleep.

The SLEEPFIT study is exploring how lifestyle-based approaches can help people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain or osteoarthritis of the hip or knee) who also experience poor sleep. 

Participants will take part in a 12-month, home-based lifestyle management program led by a qualified physiotherapist. The program will include up to ten one-on-one online consultations and tailored strategies to support improvements in sleep, physical function, and overall well-being. 

The study will also assess biological and sensory markers to better understand how the body’s systems respond to lifestyle changes in people with pain and poor sleep. This research will help guide more personalised, non-medication-based treatments in the future. 

Join the study (link to be updated)
Participant Information Sheet

What does the study aim to acheive?

Aim 1

To identify which type of lifestyle management program provides the most benefit for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and poor sleep. 

Aim 2

To Understand how lifestyle changes influence pain, sleep quality, and overall health

Who can take part?

The study is suitable for people who:

  • Have had low back, hip, or knee pain for 6 months or longer.

  • Experience difficulties getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.

  • Are willing to wear a small activity and sleep monitor for 12 months.

  • Can commit to online consultations and assessments over a 12-month period.

You may not be suitable if you:

  • Are already doing high levels of structured exercise or have recently received sleep-focused therapy.

  • Have health conditions that make exercise unsafe without medical clearance.

  • Have had recent injections or surgery in the affected joint.

  • Have untreated sleep apnea or cognitive impairment.

Final eligibility is confirmed through an online and telephone screening process.

Interested in joining the clinical trial?

Read more about the study in our participant information form and complete the screening survey to see if you’re eligible.

Join the study (link to be udpated)

SLEEPFIT study FAQs

  • If you are interested in joining the study, first you will need to complete the online screening survey. The online screening survey will assess if the study might be suitable for you.

    After you submit the online screening survey and you are considered potentially eligible, a member of the study team will be in contact with you to explain the next steps of the screening process.

  • If you are eligible for the study and have completed initial study requirements, you will be randomly allocated to one of two groups.

    To ensure fair comparison between programs, participants are not told the specific details of their assigned lifestyle program. This helps researchers assess the true effectiveness of each approach. 

    You will be notified which group you are assigned to via email once you have been randomised.

  • Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual care.

  • There is no cost to take part. The lifestyle programs are non-invasive and similar to what might be offered in usual clinical care. Minor risks include temporary discomfort from exercise, mild fatigue, or localised soreness from sensory testing or blood sampling.

  • You may experience improvements in pain, sleep, and daily function. However, benefits cannot be guaranteed. The main goal is to help improve care for others with similar conditions.

  • All personal and health information is stored securely and handled in accordance with the University of Sydney’s research and data protection policies. Data from wearable devices and apps are de-identified and stored on secure, compliant international servers.

  • The study is led by A/Prof Michelle Hall (University of Sydney) and Dr David Klyne (University of Queensland), Funding is provided by the United States Department of Defence, with sponsorship by The University of Sydney.

Ready to join the SLEEPFIT study?

Is your chronic hip or knee pain impacting your daily life? We may be able to help.

If you have a question or would like further information about the study, please send an email to sleepfit.trial@sydney.edu.au or complete this form.

Join the study (link to be updated)