Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute, Inc., received a $171,069 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective May 1, 2026, through February 28, 2031. This award supports the development, refinement, and pilot testing of IMPACT-FBBT (Integrating Behavioral Pain Management to improve physical Activity in family-based behavioral treatment), an adjunctive behavioral pain management intervention designed to improve physical activity outcomes in youth with co-occurring obesity and chronic pain (CPO) who are enrolled in family-based behavioral treatment (FBBT) for pediatric obesity.

The project deliverables are structured across three primary aims. Aim 1 involves identifying biological, psychological, and social factors predictive of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth with CPO (n=20). Aim 2A includes developing the IMPACT-FBBT intervention by adapting the evidence-based FIT Teens program with input from youth with CPO and their families (n=10) and multidisciplinary experts (n=5). Aim 2B focuses on refining the intervention through sequential testing with youth with CPO (n=6 minimum) and structured participant feedback until feasibility benchmarks are achieved. The research is guided by the ORBIT (Obesity Research and Behavioral Intervention Trial) Model of behavioral intervention development and aims to address the significant gap in safe, effective behavioral pain management interventions for pediatric patients with obesity.