What will happen in the study?

Your child will be in this research study for about 22 weeks (five-and-a-half-months) and attend three assessment sessions and 16 group treatment sessions (two times per week for eight weeks).

Teens who are eligible for the study will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) into one of two study groups, CBT or FIT Teens.

All teens will attend three assessment sessions (one at the beginning of the study, one after the treatment is over and one at the three-month follow-up) which will consist of answering brief questionnaires, wearing an activity monitor, and testing of their balance, strength and fitness. Each assessment session should last about two hours.

Teens randomized into the CBT group will attend two, 30 to 45 minute small group treatment sessions (of about six teens per group) per week. During those treatment sessions, teens will work with a psychology trainer to teach them coping skills to manage pain. Parents will attend some of the sessions with their child.

Teens randomized into the FIT Teens group will attend two, 1.5 hour small group treatment sessions (of about six teens per group) per week. During those treatment sessions, teens will work with an exercise trainer and psychology trainer to teach them neuromuscular exercises to improve their strength, fitness and body mechanics and coping skills to manage pain. Parents will attend some of the sessions with their child.

A detailed list of procedures will be provided to anyone interested in knowing more about this study.