Table 1.

STEPS-2 intervention content by session

Session topics
Note: All sessions include reviewing and setting two goals: 1) Chronic pain self-management goal; 2) Weekly step count goal and new goal for 10% increase.
Week 1: Understanding Chronic Pain: How the body and brain process pain signals; how a holistic approach reveals ways to help your body block pain signals and maintain quality of life. How to set a SMART goal and how to use it for pain management.
Week 2: Staying Active: Why physical activity is effective for managing pain and fatigue; strategies for incorporating physical activity into daily routine. Using step counts to increase/maintain activity. Introduce NIA’s Go4Life booklet. Discuss resources available to participants in Detroit; e.g., senior centers and transportation.
Week 3: Doing What You Love: Why it is important to allocate time for self-growth and well-being; strategies for incorporating pleasant activities into daily life. Provide referrals to accessible options in the Detroit community, including cultural and enrichment offerings.
Week 4: Partnering With Your Provider: Communicating with health care providers. Preparing for medical visits to make sure concerns are addressed.
Week 5: Relaxing and Reducing Stress: The relationship between pain and stress. Training your body to produce the relaxation response; how relaxation helps symptoms. Simple problem-solving process to address stressors.
Week 6: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: Impact of poor sleep on pain; sleep hygiene.
Week 7: Moving Forward: Review of key skills and planning for long-term goals.