Clinical trial NCT01598753
Conditions: Fibromyalgia
Sponsor: University of Washington
Start date: 2012-05-01; Completion date: 2018-07-31
Enrollment: 134 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: FACTORIAL

Brief summary:
This is a randomized control study that involves a combination of a drug treatment, behavioral health, and placebo controls.

Some participants will receive a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain called Tramadol HC1 IR. Others will receive an inactive pill, called a placebo. There will also be 2 different types of behavioral health treatments, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Health Education (HE) both of which have been recommended for the treatment of patients with FM by the American Pain Society.

There are 4 possible study treatment combinations:

1. Tramadol + CBT,
2. Tramadol + HE,
3. Placebo + CBT,
4. Placebo + HE.

Although Tramadol, CBT, and HE have been shown to have some benefits for FM patients, there have been no studies that have evaluated the combination of medication and a behavioral health treatment. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the benefits of the 4 combinations listed.

Detailed description:

Arms: arm 1: None arm 2: None arm 3: None arm 4: None
Interventions: intervention 1: Tramadol intervention 2: Placebo intervention 3: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for FM intervention 4: Health Education
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 50 mg tablets titrated up to 2 tablets four times per day for a maximum dose of 400mg per day.

Minimum accepted dose of 200mg per day intervention 2: Pharmacological inactive tablet, 50mg tablets titrated to 2 tabs per day up to 400mg intervention 3: Subjects will be seen for 8 weekly 50 minute sessions of Cognitive Behavior Therapy that has been specifically tailored for Fibromyalgia patients. intervention 4: Subjects will receive 8 weekly 50 minute sessions of Health Education on Fibromyalgia

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_002.pdf: 
 
 
 
Page 1 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
COMBINED BEHAVIORAL & ANALGESIC TRIAL FOR FIBROMYALGIA (COMBAT-FM) 
 
Program Director/Principal Investigator: 
Dennis C. Turk, PhD 
John and Emma Bonica Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Research 
University of Washington School of Medicine 
 
Principal Investigators: 
 
James P. Robinson, MD, PhD 
Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine 
University of Washington School of Medicine 
 
Robert H. Dworkin, PhD 
Professor of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Oncology, and Psychiatry 
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 
 
Study Biostatistician: 
 
Marcia A. Ciol, PhD 
Research Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 
University of Washington School of Medicine 
 
Supported By: 
 
The National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin 
Diseases (NIAMS) grant #1R01AR059102-01A1. 
 


 
 
 
Page 2 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT 
 
This document is a confidential communication of the University of Washington/NIAMS. The 
recipient agrees that no information contained herein will be published or disclosed without written 
approval. This document may be disclosed to appropriate institutional review boards, Data Safety 
and Monitoring Board, independent ethics committees, or duly authorized representatives of the 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or other regulatory authorities as appropriate, under the 
condition that confidentiality is requested. 
 
INVESTIGATOR’S AGREEMENT 
 
Combined Behavioral & Analgesic Trial For Fibromyalgia (COMBAT-FM) 
 
Protocol Approval Date: ___ 
 
I have carefully read the COMBAT-FM protocol and agree that it contains all the necessary 
information for conducting this study safely. I will conduct this study in strict accordance with this 
protocol and will attempt to complete the study within the time designated. I will provide copies of 
the protocol and all other information relating to pre-clinical and prior clinical experience to all 
personnel responsible to me who participate in the study. I will discuss this information with them to 
assure that they are adequately informed regarding the medication and conduct of the study. I 
agree to keep records on all subject information (case report forms, shipment and medication return 
forms and all other information collected during the study) in accordance with Good Clinical Practice 
and local regulations. 
 
___
_________  
 
 
 
3/1/12 
Investigator’s signature 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  
 
 
 
 
Printed name:___Dennis C. Turk, PhD__________ 
Title: ____John and Emma Bonica Professor ofAnesthesiology & Pain Research_ 
 
 
 
Address: ___Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine__________________ 
_Box 356540_________________________ 
_University of Washington_______________ 
__Seattle, Wasjhington 98195____________ 
 
Phone No.: ___(206) 616-2626___________ 


 
 
 
Page 3 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT / INVESTIGATOR’S AGREEMENT 
2 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
3 
 
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PROTOCOL 
5 
 
 
CLINICAL SITES PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY 
6 
 
STUDY TEAM ROSTER 
6 
 
PRÉCIS 
11 
 
STUDY PROTOCOL 
13 
1. 
OBJECTIVES 
13 
1. 
Primary Objective 
13 
2. 
Secondary Objectives 
13 
2. 
BACKGROUND  
13 
1. 
Statement of the Problem 
13 
2. 
Rationale and Supporting Data 
14 
3. 
STUDY DESIGN  
16 
4. 
SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT OF SUBJECTS  
16 
1. 
Inclusion Criteria  
16 
2. 
Exclusion Criteria  
17 
3. 
Study Enrollment Procedures  
17 
5. 
STUDY INTERVENTIONS  
18 
1. 
Drug Intervention 
18 
1. Tramadol 
19 
2. Placebo 
19 
3. Rescue Medication 
20 
4. Medication Treatment Protocol 
20 
5. Medication Distribution, Storage, and Accountability 
21 
6. Blinding and Unblinding of Study Medication 
22 
2. 
Behavioral Intervention 
22 
1. CBTfm 
23 
2. Health Education 
23 
6. 
STUDY EVALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS  
26 
1. 
Schedule and Timing of Assessments  
26 
2. 
Description of Evaluations and Assessments 
32  
1. Patient Self-reported Outcomes 
32 
2. Clinician Evaluations 
33 
 
3. Actigraphy 
34 
4. Central Sensitization 
35 
5. Research Staff Procedures 
36 
1. Recruitment 
36 
2. Prescreening 
36 
3. Medication Log and Adherence 
36 
3. 
Compensation 
36 


 
 
 
Page 4 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
7. 
ADVERSE EXPERIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH STUDY MEDICATIONS 
37 
8. 
CRITERIA FOR INTERVENTION DISCONTINUATION  
37 
9. 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS  
37 
1. 
General Design Issues and Outcomes 
37 
2. 
Sample Size 
37 
3. 
Data Analyses 
37 
4. 
Data Monitoring 
38 
10. DATA COLLECTION, SITE MONITORING, ADVERSE EVENTS 
41 
1. 
Data Collection and Retention 
41 
2. 
Site Monitoring 
41 
3. 
Adverse Experience Reporting 
42 
 
11. HUMAN SUBJECTS  
44 
1. 
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review and Informed Consent  
45 
2. 
Risks to Subjects 
45 
3. 
Subject Confidentiality  
45 
4. 
Adequacy of Protection Against Risks 
45 
5. 
Potential Benefits to Subjects 
46 
6. 
Alternatives to Participation 
46 
7. 
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children 
46 
8. 
Study Modification/Discontinuation 
47 
12. PUBLICATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 
47 
13. REFERENCES 
 


 
 
 
Page 5 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Abbreviations Used in the Protocol 
 
ACR, American College of Rheumatology 
AE, Adverse Events 
CBTfm, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Fibromyalgia 
CHET, Center of Human Experimental Therapeutics  
CGIC, Clinician Global Impression of Change 
CMSU, Clinical Materials Services Unit  
COMBAT-FM, Combined Behavioral & Analgesic Trial For Fibromyalgia 
CS, Central Sensitization 
DSMV-IV, American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statisitical Manual, 4th Ed. Text  
                 Revision 
DNIC, Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control 
DSMB, Data Safety and Monitoring Board  
eCRF, Electronic Case Report form 
FDA, Food and Drug Administration 
FIQR, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised 
FM, Fibromyalgia 
HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 
HE, Health Education 
HIPPA, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act 
IR, Immediate release 
IRB, Institutional Review Board 
LSC, Life Stressor Checklist 
NIAMS, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
MFQ, Multidimensional Fatigue Questionnaire 
MTPS, Manual Tender Point Survey 
Pbo, Placebo 
PCP, primary care provider 
PGIC, Patient Global Impression of Change 
PI, Principal Investigator 
PTM, Placebo to Match 
PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
RA, Research Assistant 
RC, Research Coordinator 
REDCap, Research Electronic Data Capture  
ROM, Range of Motion 
SAE, Serious Adverse Events 
SCID, Structured Clincial Interview for the Diagnosis of Mental Disorders 
SE, Self-efficacy 
SF-MPQ-2, Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire version 2  
SS, Sympom Severity scale 
TC, Treatment Credibility 
Tram, Tramadol 
TS, Temporal Summation 
Tx-C, Patients who completed treatment 
Tx-N, Patient who did not complete treatment 
UIP, University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals 


 
 
 
Page 6 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
UR, University of Rochester 
UW, University of Washington 
WPI, Widespred Pain Index 
 
 
CLINICAL SITES PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY 
 
1. University of Washington School of Medicine 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Seattle, WA 
 
2. University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry 
Department of Anesthesiology 
Rochester, NY 
 
                                STUDY TEAM ROSTER 
 
University of Washington 
Dennis C. Turk, Ph.D.  
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195 
PH: (206) 616-2626 
FX: (206) 543-2958 
EM: turkdc@uw.edu 
Role: Overall Program Director & PI 
 
James P. Robinson, M.D., Ph.D. 
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 
Box356490 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA  98195 
Pager: (206) 998-0125 
EM: jimrob@uw.edu 
Role: Project Physician/PI, Oversee physical examination, drug protocol, adverse events 
 
Marcia A. Ciol, Ph.D. 
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 
Box 356490 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195  
TL: (206) 221-4668 
EM: marciac@uw.edu 
Role: Project Biostatistician 
 
 


 
 
 
Page 7 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Caitlin Sheffels 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195 
TL: (206) 221-1737 
FX: (206) 543-2958 
EM: csheff@uw.edu 
Role: Research Coordinator 
 
Julianne Dunlap 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195 
TL: (206)221-6851 
FX: (206)543-2958 
EM: jdunlap7@uw.edu 
Role: Research Assistnat 
 
Leah Adams, MA 
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 
EM: ladamse@uw.edu 
Role: Psychologist to deliver Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 
 
Steve Clayton 
EM: clayts@uw.edu 
Role: Health Educator 
 
Lisa Flint 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195 
EM: lyflint@uw.edu 
Role: DNIC assessment 
 
Kushang Patel, Ph.D 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 
University of Washington 
Seattle WA 98195 
EM: kvpatel@uw.edu 
Role: Contributing Investigator and Supervisor of Accelerometry 
 
Katherine Sidener 
Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine 
Box 356540 


 
 
 
Page 8 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA 98195 
TL: (206)616-4533 
FX: (206) 543-2958 
EM: ksidener@uw.edu 
Role: Grants administrator  
 
 
University of Rochester 
 
Robert H. Dworkin, Ph.D. 
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry 
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 604 
Rochester, NY 14642 
TL: (585) 275-8214 
FX: (585) 276-0122 
EM: robert_dworkin@urmc.rochester.edu 
Role: University of Rochester site director & PI 
 
 
Janet Pennella-Vaughan, M.S., N.P. 
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry 
Pain Treatment Center 
180 Sawgrass Drive, Suite 210 
Rochester, NY 14620 
TL:  (585) 273-2445 
FX: (585) 756-7661 
EM: janet_vaughan@urmc.rochester.edu  
Role: Collaborating investigator, medical screening, medication distribution, adverse event reporting 
 
Ellen Poleshuck, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology 
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 
300 Crittenden Boulevard 
Rochester, NY 14642 
TL: (585) 275-3138 
FX: (585) 276-2065 
EM: Ellen_Poleshuck@urmc.rochester.edu 
Role: Collaborating investigator, coordination and supervision of CBT 
Beth Cerrito, Ph.D. 
1357 Monroe Avenue 
Rochester, NY 14618 
TL: (585) 442-9601 
FX: (585) 442-9606 
EM: beth@bethcerritophd.com 
Role: Coordination and supervision of CBT 
 


 
 
 
Page 9 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Shannon Smith, MA 
Graduate student, Department of Psychology 
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 604 
Rochester, NY 14642 
TL: (585) 273-3271 
FX: (585) 273-1100 
EM: shannon.smith@rochester.edu 
Role: Research associate 
Noreen Connolly 
University of Rochester 
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 673 
Rochester, NY 14642 
TL:(585) 275-0589 
FX: (585)442-4329 
EM: noreen_connolly@urmc.rochester.edu 
Role: Health education treatment 
 
Cornelia Kamp, MBA 
University of Rochester Medical Center 
TL: (512) 266-3552 
Cell: (585) 355-5341  
EM: cornelia.kamp@ctcc.rochester.edu 
Role: Pharmaceutical preparation and distribution 
 
Randhall Yeates 
The University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals 
115 South Grand Avenue 
Iowa City, Iowa 52242 
TL: 319-335-8674 
FX: 319-335-9418 
EM: www.pharmacy.uiowa.edu/uip 
Role: Pharmaceutical preparation & Qualith assessment 
 
Debra Andreacchi-Roth, M.S.  
University of Rochester  
Department of Pharmacology and Physiology  
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 711, Room 4-6441  
Rochester, New York 14642  
TL: (585) 275-3142  
FX: (585) 273-2652  
EM: debra_andreacchiroth@urmc.rochester.edu 
Role: Grants administrator 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Page 10 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Additional 
 
Kim Dupree Jones, Ph.D., FNP 
Oregon Health & Sciences University 
Schools of Nursing & Medicine 
3455 US Veterans Hospital Rd 
Portland, OR 97239 
TL: (503) 494-3837 
EM: joneskim@ohsu.edu 
Role: Consultant 
 
Karen Adams 
Institute of Translational Health Sciences 
Box 356178 
University of Washington 
Seattle, WA  98195 
EM: knadams1@u.washington.edu 
Role: IRB consultant 
 
NIAMS 
 
Wm. Phil Tonkins Jr., M.S, Dr.PH 
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service Health Scientist Administrator   
Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases  
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)  
National Institutes of Health (NIH)  
One Democracy Plaza  
6701 Democracy Blvd, Suite 880  
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4872  
PH: 301-594-4979  
FX: 301-480-1284  
EM: tonkinsw2@mail.nih.gov 
Role: Program Officer 
 
Anna Nicholson 
NIAMS/EP/NIH 
TL: 301-451-6513 
EM: nicholsona@mail.nih.gov 
Role: Clinical Coordinator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Page 11 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Data Safety & Monitoring Board 
KAI, Inc. 
Stephanie Millin, Coordinator 
Amy Mhatre, Assistant Coordinator 
TX:  301-770-2730 
FX: 301-770-4183 
EM: KAIforNIAMS@kai-research.com 
Thomas D. Cook, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin 
Stuart Silverman, M.D., University of California, Los Angeles 
Robert N. Jamison, PhD, Harvard University, Brigham & Womens Hospital 
Harvey Moldofsky, M.D., University of Toronto 


 
 
 
Page 12 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
PRÉCIS 
 
Study Title: Combined Behavioral & Analgesic Trial For Fibromyalgia (COMBAT-FM) 
Background and Statement of the Problem 
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain syndrome with a number of concurrent symptoms 
(eg, sleep difficulties, fatigue, depression, anxiety), unknown pathogenesis, and no well-replicated 
biological markers, that is estimated to affect 3-6 million people in the United States. The diversity 
of symptoms reported by FM patients is consistent with the view that FM is a multisystem disorder, 
involving a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social mechanisms. Although 
evaluations of numerous pharmacological treatments have shown beneficial effects, none are 
curative. These treatments reduce pain by approximately 35% but no more than half of patients 
experience clinically meaningful improvements. Similar outcomes have been reported with 
nonpharmacological treatments, particularly Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), which has been 
shown to produce equivalent benefits to medication in reducing pain and improving function. The 
modest outcome of these monotherapies has led to calls for combination trials of drugs and 
nondrug treatments. No studies have evaluated the incremental benefits of combining CBT and 
medication as suggested in the American Pain Society. 
Objectives 
We have adpated CBT especially for FM (CBTfm), giving greater attention to fatigue, sleep, pacing, 
avoidance of activity, and interpersonal communication. Tramadol (Tram) is a drug that has been 
shown to reduce pain and improve function in many FM patients. The primary outcome is the 
change in pain severity measured by the average of 5-days of daily pain dairies assessed just prior 
and at the end of treatment. The primary objective of the current study is to test the hypothesis that 
the combination of CBTfm + Tram will produce significantly greater reduction in pain severity or 
physical function compared to CBTfm + placebo (Pbo) drug, Health Education (HE) + Tram, and HE 
+ Pbo drug. Specifically, that a greater proportion of patients in the CBTfm +Tram group will 
achieve at least 30% reduction in pain (on 5-day daily pain diaries) or 20% improvement in function 
(on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised) compared to the other 3 groups. A similar 
approach to using a composite outcome criterion was used in recent pivotal clinical trials submitted 
to the FDA for approval of milnacipran with FM.1a-1d 
Several secondary objectives are planned. One secondary objective of the project is to test if 
functional improvement is greater in combination of CBT and Tram as compared to other groups. 
Another secondary objective is to incorporate real-time objective data collection of patients’ sleep 
patterns and activity using actigraphic recording (actigraphy) into the assessment, treatment, and 
outcome evaluation of patients. Specifically, we will utilize this objective activity and sleep data to: 
(1) evaluate the extent to which patients demonstrate perceptual dissociation regarding their sleep 
quality and levels of activity; (2) reduce perceptual dissociation by providing patients with accurate 
feedback regarding their sleep and activity levels; and (3) measure changes in sleep quality and 
activity level in response to treatment.  
Even when treatments provide benefits in FM, the mechanisms are largely unknown. Another 
secondary objective of the project is to examine psychological and physiologic mechanisms that we 
hypothesize mediate symptom improvement that patients demonstrate in response to Tram or 
CBTfm. Specifically, we will examine the hypothesis that reduction in pain from these treatments 
can be accounted for by decrease in central sensitization (CS) of noxious stimuli and improvement 
in mood. The final secondary objective of the proposed research is to explore processes that 
mediate improvements that patients demonstrate in response to treatments provided in the study. 
Specifically we will evaluate a mediational model of the effects of fatigue on activity level, arising 


 
 
 
Page 13 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
from pain level, sleep disturbance, and mood disturbance. Additionally, we will evaluate the direct 
effects of pain level and mood on activity levels. 
The results will have important implications for developing optimal treatment programs for FM, the 
mechanisms underlying treatment outcome, and the associations among sleep, fatigue, activity, 
pain, and mood in this prevalent pain condition. 
Design and Outcomes 
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-site clinical trial will be conducted. Systematic 
assessment of pain severity, physical and emotional functioning, CS, and actigraphy over the 
course of treatment will make it possible to accomplish the primary and secondary objectives of the 
study. Assessments of all primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted at 4 different in-
person visits throughout the study: pre-treatment (Visits 1 & 2), mid-treatment (Visit 7-8), at the end 
of treatment (Visit 12), and 6-months follow-up (Visit 14) following treatment. Additionally, self-report 
outcomes will be collected by mail 3-months following post-treatment evaluation.  
Interventions and Duration 
Informed consent will be obtained on Visit 1 along with physical and baseline assessments. At Visit 
2 completion of baseline assessments will occur and actigraph will be dispensed. Actigraph use will 
occur for a 1-week duration at several points during the study (i.e., between Visits 2-3, 7-8, 11-12). 
Study medication (either Pbo or Tram) will be provided on Visit 3, and subject will be titrated up 
over a 2-week period. On visits 4-11, which occur once per week, patients will receive behavioral 
health treatment intervention (either CBTfm or HE). Follow-up visit will occur 1 week following 
completion of treatment (Visit 13). Evaluation of efficacy endpoints will occur at the end of the drug 
maintenance/behavioral health treatment phase (Visit 13), at which point subjects will begin drug 
taper. Subjects will return 1 week following the start of taper (Visit 14) to facilitate taper. Subjects 
will be mailed a follow-up packet of self-report measures to complete and return at 3-months post-
treatment. Finally, subjects will return for a follow-up visit 6-months following completion (Visit 15). 
(See Appendix A for complete schedule of activities). 
Population and Sample Size  
Men or women between the ages of 21-70 meeting the ACR criteria for FM will be enrolled for 
treatment. A responder is defined as a person whose pain score decreased at least 30% or a 20% 
improvement in physical functionigat the end of the treatment when compared to the score just prior 
to treatment. Our primary hypothesis may be supported by a statistically significant difference in 
proportion of responders among the 4 groups at the α = .05 level, followed by a post-hoc test of 
difference between pairs of groups. We propose to enroll 81 individuals in each site, for a total of 
162 individuals in the final intent-to-treat sample. The power for this sample size is quite high. For 
example, if we observe a proportion of responders of .2 for HE + Pbo, .4 for HE +Tram, .4 for 
CBTfm + Pbo, and .6 for CBTfm + Tram, we would have a power of .8 to find the difference 
between groups.  


 
 
 
Page 14 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
STUDY PROTOCOL 
 
1. OBJECTIVES 
1.1. Primary Objective. The primary objective of the current study is to test the hypothesis that  
the combination of a CBT that has been adapted for FM (CBTfm), a behavioral-health treatment 
that has been shown to improve physical functioning and pain, and Tram, a drug that has been 
shown to reduce pain FM patients moderately, will produce greater reduction in pain severity (as 
measured by the difference in the average of 5-day daily pain dairy) or physical function (FIQR) 
assessed just prior and immediately following treatment) than HE+Tram, CBTfm+Pbo, or HE+Pbo. 
1.2. Secondary Objectives. Several secondary objectives are proposed. There is evidence that 
FM patients have inaccurate perceptions regarding their behaviors, including their physical 
capabilities.1 In this protocol, we use the term “perceptual dissociation” to describe these 
inaccuracies. Another secondary objective of the project is to gather objective data regarding 
patients’ sleep patterns and activity using actigraphy, and to utilize these data into the assessment, 
treatment, and outcome evaluation of patients, specifically: (1) to evaluate the extent to which 
patients demonstrate perceptual dissociation regarding their perceived and actual sleep quality and 
levels of activity; (2) to reduce perceptual dissociation by providing patients with accurate feedback 
regarding their sleep and activity levels; and (3) to measure changes in sleep quality and activity 
level in response to treatment. 
Even when treatments provided benefits in FM, the mechanisms are largely unknown. The 3rd 
objective of the project is to examine psychological and physiologic mechanisms that may underlie 
functional improvement that patients 
demonstrate in response to treatment. 
Specifically, we will examine the hypothesis 
that improvement in function from these 
treatments will be predicted by decrease in 
central sensitization (CS) of noxious stimuli 
and improvement in mood. The final 
objective of the proposed research is to study 
processes that mediate improvements that 
patients demonstrate in response to treatments 
provided in the study. Specifically we will 
evaluate a mediational model of the effects of 
fatigue on activity level, arising from pain level, 
sleep disturbance, and mood disturbance (Figure A). Additionally, we will evaluate the direct effects 
of pain level and mood on activity levels.  
The proposed project extends our research by attempting to combine promising behavioral health 
and pharmacological treatments, examining the dissociation of patients’ beliefs and actual activity, 
and evaluates an important underlying mechanism that may contribute to our understanding of a 
biological factor associated with treatment effects and FM more generally. 
2. BACKGROUND 
2.1. Statement of the Problem. FM is a chronic pain syndrome with an unknown etiology and  
wide-ranging symptom profile including pain, fatigue, decreased activity, and depressed mood. 
Recently the role of perturbations in the central nervous system and the process of “central 
sensitization” (CS) have been implicated. Although research has demonstrated that a variety of 
monotherapies - including CBT and Tram – improve symptoms and functioning in FM, benefits 
Figure A
Path Model
Sleep
Mood
Fatigue
Pain
Function


 
 
 
Page 15 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
associated with these therapies have been modest.  
2.3. Rationale and Supporting Data.  
2.2.1. Combination Therapy. Since no curative therapy for FM has been discovered, treatments  
currently used are pragmatic and aim to maximize symptom relief and restore function. Research 
supports the effectiveness of various  treatments, including CBT and several medications.2, 3 
However, none of these treatments is curative2 and less than 10% of patients with FM return to 
premorbid levels of functioning following treatment.4 Because of the modest benefits from 
monotherapies, expert panels and evidence-based guidelines5 have recommended combinations of 
treatments to achieve maximal benefit. The combination of behavioral and pharmacologic 
treatments has been shown to have incremental benefits greater than either treatment alone for a 
number of problems including depression6-9and headaches10, but has not been studied 
systematically in FM.11 
Some research on combination therapies for FM has been reported. Typically, FM patients 
receiving a variety of treatments have been contrasted with controls who receive usual care.12 
This methodology does not permit analysis of the effectiveness of individual treatment 
elements, the addictive effects, or of the possible synergistic interactions between elements. 
There have only been a handful of studies that have systematically varied treatment elements, 
and they both provide support for combination treatment. For example, Buckelew8 provided FM 
patients with either biofeedback/relaxation, exercise, both, or neither. At follow-up, patients 
receiving combination therapy had the best outcomes. Isomeri et al.13 provided patients with 
exercise therapy, amitriptyline, or the combination of the two. Patients receiving combination 
treatment had lower pain scores at the end of treatment than patients receiving only a single 
modality. No studies have evaluated the combination of CBT and a particular pharmacologic 
agent. 
The primary hypothesis to be tested in this application is that the combination of CBTfm + Tram will 
lead to greater decrease in pain severity or improvement in funtioning as assessed by 5-day diary 
and Fibromyalgia Impact Qustionnaire-Revised than CBT or Tram alone. The factorial design of the 
proposed study also will make it possible to examine the effectiveness of CBTfm and Tram as 
monotherapies, as well the effectiveness of the use in combination, and the possibility of 
interactions between the 2 types of treatment.   
2.2.2. CBTfm. CBT has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of FM comparable to that provided  
by medications.14,15 It has been recommended in recent evidence-based clinical practice 
guidelines.16-18 CBT is a generic term; there are many specific interventions that have been included 
(e.g., exposure, cognitive restructuring, social skills training). We propose to provide customized 
CBT (designated CBTfm) that incorporates several of the above interventions, and has been 
developed by our team to address issues of particular concern to patients with FM, including 
providing techniques to enhance sleep quality, reduce fatigue, increase physical activity, reduce 
fear of activity, and improve interpersonal communications.  
A noteworthy feature of CBTfm is the use of actigraphy to address the dissociation between what 
FM patients’ perceptions about their physical capacities and the reality of what they are actually 
capable of doing. An actigraph is a solid state accelerometer designed to measure ambulatory 
activity over extended periods of time in naturalistic settings. Actigraphic recordings have been 
used extensively as an indicator of activity levels while individuals are awake19, as well as a 
behavioral indicator of sleep quality.20 Actigraphic recordings have the advantage of being objective 
measures that are not dependent on patients’ reports of activity or sleep quality. We will utilize 
actigraphic data during baseline assessments to evaluate the perceptual dissociation among 
perceived and actual sleep and functional capabilities, and actigraphy during the course of 


 
 
 
Page 16 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
treatment to provide patients with accurate information about their activity levels during the course 
of the study. Finally actigraphic recordings will be used as outcome variables to assess secondary 
hypotheses in the study.  
2.2.2. Tramadol (Tram). The efficacy and tolerability of Tram have been demonstrated in a  
number of pain conditions21 including FM22-25 and the drug is recommended by the American Pain 
Society. Tram may be particularly relevant to FM due to its combination of pharmacodynamic 
properties.26 Specifically, Tram has been shown to enhance analgesia by means of 3 distinct 
mechanisms, it: (1) binds to mu opioid receptors, and exerts a weak opioid effect; (2) inhibits the 
neuronal reuptake of 5-hydroxytriptamine (serotonin); and (3) inhibits the neuronal reuptake of 
norepinephrine. Pharmacologic studies provide evidence that all 3 mechanisms contribute to the 
analgesic effects of the drug. Given this pharmacodynamic profile, Tram has properties that make it 
particularly relevant to FM. Its effects on serotonin and norepinephrine mimic those of dual reuptake 
inhibiting antidepressants such as Duloxetine and Milnacipran that have been approved by the FDA 
for FM. Its effects as a mu-opioid agonist may also be relevant. Although the effectiveness of 
opioids in the treatment of FM has received little attention in research, Tram is generic and has 
been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic pain so in the proposed study it will be used 
“on label.” Moreover, FM patients indicate that these medications are more effective than other 
classes of medication.27   
2.2.3. CBTfm +Tram. Evidence and clinical practice guidelines5, as well as our own experience 
conducting research on the treatment of FM suggest that increasing activity is a key component to 
reduce pain severity and improve functional outcomes. In fact research has demonstrated that one 
of the major benefits of CBT appears to be its impact on increasing activity.28, 29  A key intervention 
in CBT is for the therapist to give patients homework assignments, including behaviors that they 
tend to avoid, to carry out, and monitor their responses. In order for this intervention to be effective, 
patients must be willing to perform the assignments. In this setting, Tram can promote behavior 
change by creating an initial reduction in pain, and, thereby, giving patients the confidence to try out 
behaviors avoided. Once they attempt these behaviors and receive real-time feedback about their 
actual progress, a positive (corrective) feedback loop is created in which patients may master 
successively more challenging tasks.      
2.2.4. Mediators of Clinical Improvement in FM. Even when treatments provided benefits in FM,  
the biologic as well as psychological mechanisms are largely unknown. The 3rd objective of the 
study is to examine psychological and physiological mechanisms that may underlie functional 
improvement that patients demonstrate in response to Tram or CBTfm. Specifically, we will 
examine the hypothesis that improvement in function from these treatments will be predicted by 
decrease in central sensitization (CS) and improvement in mood.  
2.2.4.1. Central Sensitization (CS) and FM. Although the causal mechanisms of symptoms  
underlying FM are not well understood, research suggests that CS of noxious sensory information 
is an important contributing factor. CS can be manifested by reduced ability to inhibit noxious 
stimuli (i.e., diffuse noxious inhibitory controls - DNIC), and/or by facilitation of noxious input (ie, 
temporal summation – TS). Patients with FM have been shown to have both impaired DNIC and 
enhanced TS of nociceptive stimuli.30-33 We are not aware of any research demonstrating changes 
in these indices of CS in response to treatment. However, if, as postulated, CS is a fundamental 
process in FM, changes in the clinical status of FM patients should be associated with changes in 
CS. Because heightened sensitivity to noxious stimuli is thought to be a pathologic hallmark of FM, 
we hypothesize that CBTfm, will result in the lowering of the nociceptive responding, as evidenced 
by an increase in DNIC efficiency. Specifically, we hypothesize that: (1) DNIC will increase and TS 
decrease over the course of CBTfm and (2) decrease in pain severity will be associated with 


 
 
 
Page 17 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
decreased CS, as measured by both DNIC and TS. A recent pilot study examining a different 
physiological marker provides preliminary support for the feasibility of the latter hypothesis.20 
2.3.4.2. Depressed Mood and FM. A defining feature of FM is dysphoric mood. Mood bears a  
synergistic relationship with symptoms whereby the presence of symptoms affects mood and 
negative mood influence interpretation of current state and inhibit adaptive behaviors.34 Long-term 
outcomes of exercise treatment are more closely associated with changes in psychological 
variables (e.g., self-efficacy (SE)35, self-esteem36, coping37, helplessness37, fear of movement37-39, 
emotional distress34, and catastrophizing39) than they are to changes in physical parameters such 
as strength and flexibility.28,40 Based on this research, we hypothesize that improvements in mood 
will predict improvement in function (Objective 3). More specifically we plan to evaluate the 
mediational effects of activity level on function, arising from pain level, sleep disturbance, and mood 
disturbance (Objective 4).  
3. STUDY DESIGN 
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial described in this protocol, 162  
individuals with FM will begin treatment in 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) CBTfm + Tram; (2) HE + 
Tram; (3) CBTfm + Pbo; and (4) HE + Pbo. The sample size was calculated for the primary aim 
which is measured at post-treatment. Based on previous experience with this population, we expect 
that there will be about 15% attrition at the end of the 3 months follow-up and 15% more by the end 
of 6 months follow-up.   
The primary hypothesis is that CBTfm+Tram will lead to greater decrease in pain or improvement in 
physical function than the other 3 combinations of treatments. Specifically, a significantly greater 
proportion of subjects in the CBTfm+Tram group will demonstrate at least a 30% reduction in pain 
severity based on the 5-day daily pain diary or 20% improvement in function on the FIQR.1a-d We 
also hypothesize that a perceptual dissociation exists between real and perceived activity levels 
and sleep quality, and that change in mood and CS of pain will predict improvement in function.  
Systematic assessment of pain severity, physical and emotional functioning, CS, and actigraphy 
over the course of treatment will make it possible to accomplish the primary and secondary 
objectives of the study. Assessments of all primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted at 4 
different in-person visits throughout the study: pre-treatment (Visit 1 and 2), mid-treatment (Visit 7-
8), immediately following treatment (Visit 13), and 6 months (Visit 14) following treatment. 
Additionally, self-report outcomes will be collected via the mail at a 3-month follow-up visit. Based 
on experience working with patients with FM in clinical trials and enrollment projections by the 2 
study sites, it is expected that this trial will take 4.0 years to complete enrollment. 
4. SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT OF SUBJECTS 
4.1. Inclusion Criteria: 
1. Assess 1990 and 2010 ACR criteria for the diagnosis of FM.41-44 If patients meet the 1990 
criteria but not the 2010 criteria they will be included, but if they do not meet the 1990  
crtieria they will be excluded. 
2. Men or women (see 4.1.3 below) between the ages of 21-70. The prevalence of FM in  
children and adolescents is unclear. Furthermore, the outcome measures used to assess 
fear, emotional distress, and so forth were not validated for use in individuals younger than 
21 years of age. 
           3. Women of child-bearing potential who are using a medically acceptable contraceptive    
               regimen for at least 60 days prior to the baseline visit, and agree to continue such use    
               until 30 days after the final dose of study medications (the first 10 weeks of the study).  
               Reliable forms of contraception include oral, implanted, or injected contraceptives,   


 
 
 
Page 18 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
               intrauterine devices in place for at least 3 months in conjunction with spermicide. Women    
               must agree to and be given a urine pregnanacy test unless they are at least 2 years   
               postmenopausal or surgically sterile.  
4. Average pain intensity rating of ≥ 4 and ≤ 9 over the 5 day daily ratings (see Appendix D) 
5. Must be able to provide written informed consent.  
4.1.2. Exclusion Criteria. 
           1. Psychiatric hospitalization, suicide attempt, problems with substance abuse during the   
               previous 12 months. 
           2. Cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal dysfunction which, in the judgement of the      
               evaluating psychologist, would make the person inappropriate for participation. 
           3. Rheumatologic disorder or other disorder (e.g., lupus) associated with severe pain. 
           4. Any clinically significant medical condition or laboratory abnormality that in the  
               investigator’s judgment would interfere with the patient’s suitability for participation in the       
               study, including conditions for which treatment with Tram is contraindicated, including  
               seizure disorder, evidence of hepatic or renal disease.  
           5. Presence of any other medical condition or pain condition that in the investigator’s  
               judgement could confound assessment of FM (e.g., cancer, other rheumatologic disorder,  
               trigeminal neuralgia).  
           6. Any cognitive impairment that in the investigator’s judgment would limit the patient’s ability     
               to provide informed consent or participate in the study. 
           7. Taking MAO inhibitors * 
           8. Other drug exclusions: amphetemines, ketamine, triptans, fenfluaramine and   
      
      metaclopramide due to their possible negative interactions with Tramadol.* 
           9. Urine drug testing reveals evidence of illicit drug use, or use of prescription drugs that  
                 the patient did not report he/she was using.  
           10. Any alcohol or drug abuse history within 1 years prior to baseline. 
           11. Taking opioid medication and not willing and/or able to taper off for study duration.* 
                  If currently on Tram at time of initial evaluation, participant must be willing to taper off  
                  completely prior to participation in study.  
 
*For all drug exclusions- Any medication dosage change or taper will be done under the 
supervision of the subjects primary care physician. Subject’s must be completely off of a medication 
or at the allowed dose for at least 30 days prior to be enrolled into the study. Any change will be 
varified with their PCP. 
4.2. Study Enrollment Procedures. Patients with FM will be recruited by the study sites from 
patients attending their clinics and from referrals from primary care providers (PCPs) and specialist 
physicians in their communities. The enrollement form (see Appendix B) will be used as a guide in 
pre-screening potential subjects in person and over the telephone before the provision of informed 
consent at the screening visit. This pre-screening will be conducted in accordance with all HIPAA 
and local IRB regulatory requirements after providing verbal HIPAA assurance and obtaining 
subjects’ verbal consent to proceed with the interview. Records will be kept of patients who were 
considered ineligible for participation in the study as well as those who declined participation. All of 
the pre-screening source documentation will be stored with the confidential study records. The pre-
screening source documentation for individuals who are not eligible for the study or who decline 
participation will be stripped of identifiers and stored with the confidential study records. 
The study procedures and risks will be described to potential subjects in person by the project staff 
at the study sites. Subjects will only be allowed to sign the informed consent form when project staff 
are confident that they understand the procedures and risks of the study, have the capacity to 


 
 
 
Page 19 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
provide informed consent, and do not have evidence of cognitive impairment that in the 
investigator’s judgment would limit ability to provide informed consent or participate in the study. 
5. Study Interventions 
5.1. Drug Intervention. 
5.1.1. Tramadol. Tramadol hydrochloride is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic. 
The chemical name for Tramadol hydrochloride is (±)cis-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-
methoxyphenyl) cyclohexanol hydrochloride. It is FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to 
moderately severe pain.   
5.1.1.1. Pharmacodynamics. Although Tram’s mode of action is not completely understood,  
from animal tests, at least 2 complementary mechanisms appear applicable: binding of parent and 
M1 metabolite to μ-opioid receptors and weak inhibition of re-uptake of norepinephrine and 
serotonin.  
Opioid activity is due to both low affinity binding of the parent compound and higher affinity binding 
of the O-demethylated metabolite M1 to mu-opioid receptors. In animal models, M1 is up to 6 times 
more potent than Tram in producing analgesia and 200 times more potent in mu-opioid binding. 
Tram-induced analgesia is only partially antagonized by the opiate antagonist naloxone in several 
animal tests. The relative contribution of both Tram and M1 to human analgesia is dependent upon 
the plasma concentrations of each compound.    
Tram has been shown to inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in vitro, as have some 
other opioid analgesics. These mechanisms may contribute independently to the overall analgesic 
profile of Tram. Analgesia in humans begins approximately within one hour after administration and 
reaches a peak in approximately 2-3 hours. 
5.1.1.2. Pharmacokinetics. The analgesic activity of Tram is due to both parent drug and the M1 
metabolite. Tram is administered as a racemate and both the [-] and [+] forms of both Tram and M1 
are detected in the circulation. Linear pharmacokinetics have been observed following multiple 
doses of 50 and 100 mg to steady-state.  
Absorption  
The mean absolute bioavailability of a 100 mg oral dose is approximately 75%. The mean peak 
plasma concentration of racemic Tram and M1 occurs at 2-3 hours, respectively, after 
administration in healthy adults. In general, both enantiomers of tramadol and M1 follow a parallel 
time course in the body following single and multiple doses although small differences (<10%) exist 
in the absolute amount of each enantiomer present.  
Steady-state plasma concentrations of both Tram and M1 are achieved within 2 days with 4 times 
per day dosing. There is no evidence of self-induction.   
Food Effects  
Oral administration of Tram with food does not significantly affect its rate or extent of absorption, 
therefore, Tram can be administered without regard to food.  
Distribution  
The volume of distribution of Tram was 2.6 and 2.9 liters/kg in male and female subjects, 
respectively, following a 100 mg intravenous dose. The binding of Tram to human plasma proteins 
is approximately 20% and binding also appears to be independent of concentration up to 10 μg/mL. 
Saturation of plasma protein binding occurs only at concentrations outside the clinically relevant 
range.  
Metabolism  
Tram is extensively metabolized after oral administration by a number of pathways, including 


 
 
 
Page 20 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, as well as by conjugation of parent and metabolites. Approximately 30% of 
the dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug, whereas 60% of the dose is excreted as 
metabolites. The remainder is excreted either as unidentified or as unextractable metabolites. The 
major metabolic pathways appear to be N- and O-demethylation and glucuronidation or sulfation in 
the liver. One metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol, denoted M1) is pharmacologically active in animal 
models. Formation of M1 is dependent on CYP2D6 and as such is subject to inhibition, which may 
affect the therapeutic response.   
Approximately 7% of the population has reduced activity of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme of cytochrome 
P-450. These individuals are "poor metabolizers" of debrisoquine, dextromethorphan, tricyclic 
antidepressants, among other drugs. Based on a population PK analysis of Phase I studies in 
healthy subjects, concentrations of Tram were approximately 20% higher in "poor metabolizers" 
versus "extensive metabolizers", while M1 concentrations were 40% lower. Concomitant therapy 
with inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as fluoxetine, paroxetine and quinidine could result in significant 
drug interactions. In vitro drug interaction studies in human liver microsomes indicate that inhibitors 
of CYP2D6 such as fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine, amitriptyline and quinidine inhibit the 
metabolism of tramadol to various degrees, suggesting that concomitant administration of these 
compounds could result in increases in Tram concentrations and decreased concentrations of M1. 
The full pharmacological impact of these alterations in terms of either efficacy or safety is unknown. 
Concomitant use of Serotonin re-uptake Inhibitors and MAO Inhibitors may enhance the risk of 
adverse events, including seizure and serotonin syndrome.  
Elimination  
Tram is eliminated primarily through metabolism by the liver and the metabolites are eliminated 
primarily by the kidneys. The mean terminal plasma elimination half-lives of racemic Tram and 
racemic M1 are 6.3 ± 1.4 and 7.4 ± 1.4 hours, respectively. The plasma elimination half-life of 
racemic Tram increased from approximately 6-7 hours upon multiple dosing.  
5.1.2. Placebo (Pbo). An inert Pbo will be used in the study. Although side effects from Tram  
could result in unblinding of subjects and/or investigators, the possibility of unblinding from side 
effects will be offset by the ethical concern of using an active Pbo that will confer no benefit to 
subjects and possibly cause deleterious side effects (e.g., constipation).  
5.1.3. Rescue Medications. Subjects will be offered acetaminophen as a rescue medication for  
unacceptable pain. They will be permitted to take up to 8-325 mg  (i.e., 2 tablets 4x/day) of 
acetaminophen per day. They will be told that the rescue medication is acetaminophen, and warned 
not to take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications that contain acetaminophen. 
Any subjects who cannot tolerate pain that has remained intractable to the blinded study medication 
and treatment with acetaminophen will be reminded of their right to exit the trial and be referred to a 
physician with expertise in pain treatment. 
5.1.3.1. Acetaminophen pharmacodynamics. Acetaminophen is a centrally acting analgesic  
and antipyretic with minimal anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanism of action of 
acetaminophen in reducing pain is unknown but may be due to an inhibition of central prostaglandin 
synthesis (specifically cyclooxygenase (COX)-2) and an elevation of the pain threshold.  
5.1.3.2. Acetaminophen pharmacokinetics.  
Absorption – Rapidly absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations occur in 
0.5-2 hours. 
Distribution – 25% protein bound; plasma concentrations do not correlate well with analgesic effect, 
but do correlate with toxicity. 
Metabolism – 90-95% metabolized in the liver. 


 
 
 
Page 21 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Excretion – Excreted in urine; elimination half-life ranges from 1-4 hours. 
5.1.4. Medication Treatment Protocol. 
5.1.4.1. Medication Titration. Subjects will undergo a 14-day period during which their study  
drug is titrated upward according to the schedule given in Table 5.1.4.1.1 They will be instructed to 
follow this upward titration schedule unless they experience unacceptable side effects. Subjects 
who cannot reach a minimum dose of 4 study pills (i.e., 200 mg) per day will be dropped from the 
study.  
The dose achieved by each subject by Day 14 of the titration phase will be the dose given to them 
during the 8-week maintenance treatment phase of the study (i.e., between Days 15 and 71 of the 
study). However, if subjects report unacceptable side effects at some time during this 8 week 
period, they will be permitted to reduce their intake by 1 capsule/day. If they cannot tolerate 4 
capsules per day (200mg) they will be dropped from the study. Conversely, if they are taking fewer 
than 8 capsuless/day as of day 14, and later report inadequate pain relief, they will be allowed to 
increase their intake by 1 capsule/day to the study maximum of 8 capsules (i.e., 400 mg) daily.  
 
Subjects who are taking doses of serotonergic antidepressants that are greater than 50% of the 
recommended maximum dose will only titrate up to the lowest effective dose of Tramadol, 4 
capsules (200mg) per day (Table 5.1.4.1.) 
 
 
 
 
 
        Table 5.1.4.1.1  
Titration Schedule  
 
Day #  
 
     Morning 
       Noon 
    Afternoon 
      Evening 
 
1 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
2 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
3 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
4 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
5 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
 
2 
6 
 
 
 
2 
 
1 
 
1 
 
2 
7 
 
 
 
2 
 
1 
 
1 
 
2 
8 
 
 
 
2 
 
2 
 
1 
 
2 
9 
 
 
 
2 
 
2 
 
1 
 
2 
10-14  
 
 
2 
 
2 
 
2 
 
2 
 
Titration phase – total =   81 
Treatment phase – total = 456 
Taper phase – total  =   34 
Grand total = 571 
Grand total + 10% overage  = 628 
 
Table 5.1.4.1.2 
Titration Schedule for Subjects on other Serotonergic Medications 
Day #                               Morning             Noon            Afternoon          Evening 
 
1                                              0                      0                      0                      1 
2                                              1                      0                      0                      1 


 
 
 
Page 22 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
3                                              1                      1                      0                      1 
4                                              1                      1                      1                      1 
5                                              1                      1                      1                      1 
6-14                                         1                      1                      1                      1 
 
Titration phase – total = 50 
Treatment phase – total = 228 
Taper phase – total = 19 
Grand total = 297 
Grand total + 10% overage = 327 
 
5.1.4.2. Medication taper. Starting on day 72 of the study, subjects will go through a 10 day 
taper of their study drug, as shown in Table 5.5.4.2.1 and Table 5.5.4.2.2. During the taper phase of 
the protocol (Days 72 to 81), the open-label rescue medication can be used to control pain. To 
prevent the possibility of the subject developing withdrawal symptoms, this taper medication 
protocol must be followed whenever subjects discontinue participation in the protocol at any time for 
any reason. If subjects are not taking the maximum dosage of the blinded study medication at the 
point they begin the taper schedule, they are to begin their taper at whatever point in the schedule 
corresponds to their current dosage of study medication; the taper schedule will therefore not 
always be 10 days in length for every subject. 
Subjects will be told that if they develop characteristic opioid withdrawal symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, 
diaphoresis, insomnia, agitation, piloerection, rhinorrhea) during the 10 day taper of their study 
medication, they should contact the research team. The study clinician will evaluate them. If he or 
she feels that a participant cannot complete the taper of the study drug within 10 days, the study 
clinician will modify the taper schedule to allow a longer period for the patient to be tapered entirely 
off the drug.  
The study physician will re-evaluate subjects on day 85. He or she will discuss the subject’s 
responses during the treatment phase of the study, and during the taper phase. Subjects who have 
experienced significant symptom relief during the treatment phase will be advised that although the 
study clinician remains blinded to the study medication, the participant might benefit from a trial of 
Tram supervised by his/her primary care provider. 
 
Table 5.5.4.2.1 
Taper Schedule 
Day #  
 
     Morning 
       Noon 
    Afternoon 
      Evening 
 
1 
 
 
 
2 
 
2 
 
1 
 
2 
2 
 
 
 
2 
 
1 
 
1 
 
2 
3 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
 
2 
4 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
 
1 
5 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
6 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
7 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
8 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
9 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
10 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
11                                           0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 


 
 
 
Page 23 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Table 5.5.4.2.2 
Taper Schedule for Subjects on other Serotonergic Medications 
Day #  
 
     Morning 
       Noon 
    Afternoon 
      Evening 
 
1 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
2 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
3 
 
 
 
1 
 
1 
 
0 
 
1 
4 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
5 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
6 
 
 
 
1 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
7 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
8 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
9 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
10 
 
 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
1 
11                                           0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
0 
 
 
5.1.5. Medication Distribution, Storage, and Accountability. 
5.1.5.1. Packaging. Study drug [50 mg tramadol IR tablets] will be purchased from the  
manufacturer. To maintain the blind study drug will be over encapsulated and Pbo to Match (PTM) 
capsules will be manufactured and packaged into its primary container closure system by the 
University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP).  A total of 100 capsules of 50mg active Tram IR or PTM 
(0mg Tram IR) will be packaged in each bottle by UIP. 
UIP will then create identically matching 13-week kit boxes containing 6, 100 capsule count bottles 
per kit box and distribute these kits to the study sites. Each subject is expected to receive 1, 13-
week kit box for this 13-week study. In order to prepare subject study drug kits, UIP will receive a 
list of randomization codes and attendant study drug assignment and behavioral health treatment 
assignment from the study Biostatistician at the University of Washington (M. Ciol, PhD). The 
behavioral treatment assignment (CBTfm or HE) will be on the pill bottles, within the sealed drug kit, 
so that research staff are blind to next assignment.  
5.1.5.2. Labeling. At a minimum the following information will be included on each thirteen (13) 
week kit box and each bottle:  
• 
Name of Sponsor  
• 
Name and address of distribution center 
• 
Study number/Acronym 
• 
Drug treatment (Generically listed as either tramadol or placebo capsule) 
• 
Behavioral Health Treatment (Behavioral Health 1, or Behavioral Health 2) 
• 
Pharmaceutical dosage form 
• 
Route of administration 
• 
Quantity of dosage unit 
• 
Directions for use 
• 
Storage conditions 
• 
Space for information to be completed by Investigator/designee: 
o Name and telephone number of Investigator 
o Dispensing date 
o Subject number 
• 
Statement “Caution: New Drug – Limited by federal law to investigational use” 


 
 
 
Page 24 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
• 
Statement: “Keep out of reach of children” 
5.1.5.3. Storage. All drug supplies should be stored at controlled room temperature, 15-30C (59-
86F). The study drug must also be stored in a secure location with limited access. At the University 
of Washington, the study drug will be stored at the Investigational Drug Services Pharmacy at the 
University of Washington Medical Center. Designated study personnel will pick up prescriptions 
from the pharmacy and deliver the study medication to the participants.  
5.1.5.3.1. Accountability of Study Drug Supplies. Study drug will be shipped from UIP in batches 
of 12 kits to each participating site. Sites will be required to acknowledge receipt of study drug 
within 48 hours of receiving a shipment. The site Investigator, Study Coordinator, or Pharmacist 
must maintain accurate records (including dates) of all supplies received. All study drug supplies 
issued to, used by, and returned by each subject must be recorded on a Drug Log (see Appendix J) 
completed by the Investigator, Study Coordinator, or Pharmacist. Current dispensing records will be 
maintained, including the date and amount of medication delivered per subject. Subjects will receive 
sufficient study medication to use until their next scheduled visit. A detailed dispensing schedule will 
be given to subjects with their study medication. The sites will log in kit numbers on the dispensing 
log in the subjects’ electronic case report forms (eCRFs). Subjects will be instructed to return all 
unused medications. All unused and returned study medication not required by applicable federal 
and state regulations to be held by the clinical facility must be destroyed in accordance with 
applicable federal and state regulations or be returned as directed immediately after the study is 
completed. 
5.1.6. Blinding and Unblinding of Study Medication. Subjects will be unblinded to their study  
medication if required for their safety or if the subject needs emergency surgery and information 
about all treatment interventions is requested; this is expected to occur very rarely, if ever. Only in 
the event of an emergency that the investigator feels cannot be adequately treated without knowing 
the identity of the study medication can the medication blind be broken for a particular subject. 
Individual drug assignment will be included in a sealed document within each drug kit. In the event 
an emergency situation arises that would require possible disclosure of the study assignment, study 
physician will be paged, and then if decided to release this information, study staff will break this 
seal to identify patient assignment. In the event that an emergency disclosure of treatment 
assignment is required, a call from study staff will be made to inform the the PD, of such disclosure, 
and appropriate protocol deviation form completed and faxed. All remaining sealed and unsealed 
code envelopes/labels must be returned to the University of Washington Biostatistician, Dr. Ciol, at 
the conclusion of the study. 
5.2. Behavioral Intervention. 
Both CBT and HE treatment sessions should be scheduled at weekly intervals at identified times +/- 
2 days window timeframe.  If subject or provider needs to reschedule the behavioral sessions due 
to unforeseen circumstances the behavioral provider may schedule two sessions or elect to do a 
phone session to review content material necessary for that timeframe. 
5.2.1. CBTfm. CBT has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of FM comparable to that provided 
by medications.14,15 It has been recommended in recent evidence-based clinical practice 
guidelines.16-18 CBT is a generic term; there are many specific interventions that have been included 
(e.g., exposure, cognitive restructuring, social skills training). We propose to provide customized 
CBT (designated CBTfm) that incorporates several of the above interventions, and has been 
developed by our team to address issues of particular concern to patients with FM, including 
providing techniques to enhance sleep quality, reduce fear of acivity, increase physical activity, and 
improve interpersonal communication (see Table 5.2.1.). 


 
 
 
Page 25 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
A noteworthy feature of CBTfm is the use of actigraphy to address the dissociation between what 
FM patients’ perceptions about their physical capacities and the reality of what they are actually 
capable of doing. We will utilize actigraphic data during baseline assessments to evaluate the 
perceptual dissociation among perceived and actual sleep and functional capabilities, and 
actigraphy during the course of treatment to provide patients with accurate information about their 
activity levels during the course of the study.  
CBTfm is adapted from our previous NIH funded projects (AR47298, AR 44724) that were originally 
based on the treatment described by Turk et al45 and used in Turk et al46 and Swanson et al.47 The 
program has 3 primary modules that will be integrated in the 8 CBTfm sessions: general CBT, 
Physical Activity related to FM, and Sleep Management (Table 5.2.1.). The general CBT module will 
focus on maladaptive thought processes and behaviors specifically related to pain, mood, sleep, 
fatigue, and activity. All of the sessions will be designed to help subjects understand that this is no 
cure and thus they have to view themselves as important in their own rehabilitation. Sessions will 
emphasize coping and managing stress symptoms and fear, and fostering SE through information, 
practice, and mastery. Subjects will be given information, taught a set of skills that they can use on 
their own, and will be encouraged to practice these at home (See Appendix VIII for details).  
The Physical Activity Module will include teaching subjects behavioral strategies for increasing 
physical activity that have been developed by Fordyce for treating chronic pain.48 Subjects will 
address perceptual dissociations by comparing their subjective perceptions regarding physical 
activity with objective data. They will be given assignments designed to help them monitor their 
physical activity and gradually increase it (See Appendix VIII for details). 
The Sleep Management Module will focus on problems that subjects report regarding their sleep, 
and on perceptual dissociations that they may have regarding the quality and quantity of their sleep 
(See Appendix VIII for details).  
Table 5.2.1. 
CBTfm General Outline 
Session 1: Rationale: Information about FM, behavior and physiology, sense of control. Relaxation 
Session 2: Stress Management, Physiology of stress, Relaxation techniques, Pacing, Actigraphy 
homework 
Session 3: Fatigue and activity pacing, Attentional focus, Homework 
Sessions 4: Role of thoughts in generating emotions and their impact on   
                   behavior: negative thinking importance of fear in avoiding activities and  
                   the impact of reduced activity on physical conditioning and sleep. Homework  
Session 5: Role of expectations on fatigue and activity, use actigraphy  
                  data to illustrate the perceptual disconnect between anticipation and  
 
       actuality, effective communication, Homework 
Session 6*: Sleep hygiene: sleep/wake pattern, caffeine, relaxation techniques, Homewok 
Sessions 7: Relapse prevention, Managing Flare-ups, Homework 
Session 8: Review, summary, and preparation of maintenance 
Each session will include: 
❖ Review of previously material, home practice, and difficulties encountered 
❖ Presentation of new material with opportunities for discussion 
❖ Practice of how and when to apply acquired skills 


 
 
 
Page 26 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
❖ Behavioral experiments to address catastrophic expectations and misinterpretations 
(“if…then…” statements test; If I engage in a specific activity, I will be exhausted tomorrow, 
thus I should avoid the activity). 
❖ Review of new material covered and assignment for home practice 
5.2.2. Health Education (HE). HE, will involve didactic presentations on health themes with 
discussions.49 HE will serve as an attention control for CBTfm as information alone is not sufficient 
to produce a significant effect on health-related behavior.50  
 
The HE will be comparable in length of the CBTfm and will include homework assignments 
(supplementry reading). The HE will provide information on a range of topics related to FM, 
including the role of exercise in the management of FM (see Appendix VIV for details).49,51 During 
the meetings the patients will be allowed to discuss their symptoms with no emphasis or guidance 
given to performance of exercise. The HE treatment is outlined in Table 5.2.2. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 5.2.2. 
Health Education (HE)  
Treatment Outline 
Session 1 
• 
History of FM 
• 
Explanation: What is Fibromyalgia (FM) 
• 
Similarities to other illnesses 
• 
Overlapping syndromes 
• 
Who gets FM-genetics, triggers 
• 
FM in children 
• 
You are not alone 
• 
What FM is not 
• 
How is FM diagnosed 
• 
Common symptoms of FM 
• 
Memory and concentration problems 
• 
Tender points 
Session 2 
• 
Acute and chronic pain 
• 
Costs of chronic pain 
• 
Acceptance 
• 
Building relationships with health care providers 
• 
Common treatments for FM 
• 
Complementary and alternative therapies 
• 
Beware of quackery – evidence for treatments 
• 
Trial-and-error 
• 
Employment issues  
• 
Steps involved in disability  
• 
Communication with employer and co-workers 
Session 3 
• 
What causes FM? 


 
 
 
Page 27 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
• 
Role of physical or emotional trauma 
• 
Effects of the weather 
• 
Effects of FM on mood 
• 
Depression and FM 
• 
Feeling of frustration 
• 
Spiritual strength 
• 
Distorted pain perception 
• 
Biochemical basis of FM 
• 
Gate control theory of pain 
Session 4 
• 
Role of stress 
• 
Physiological response to stress 
• 
Understanding the stress response 
• 
Good days, bad days 
Session 5 
• 
Problem arising in response to presence of pain 
• 
Importance of sleep and rest 
• 
Stages of sleep 
• 
Sleep disturbance (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, grinding teeth) 
• 
Importance of nutrition 
• 
Importance of physical fitness 
• 
Keeping a health journal 
Session 6 
• 
Making lifestyle adjustments 
• 
Type A personality 
• 
Perfectionism 
• 
Importance of family and significant others 
• 
Impact of FM on significant others 
• 
FM and sexuality 
• 
New normal – life with chronic illness 
• 
Stages of adjustment 
Session 7 
• 
FM research – biochemistry 
• 
FM research – neurophysiology 
• 
Role of hormones 
Session 8 
• 
Treatments on the horizon 
• 
Understanding Clinical trials 
• 
Using the internet wisely 
• 
Closing thoughts 


 
 
 
Page 28 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
The HE will be conducted by experienced health professionals. Study subjects will be provided 
information about FM and encouragement. HEs will provide non-directive support as the subjects 
discuss physical problems and psychological distress in general and related to FM, but no 
information or training to help subjects improve coping skills will be provided. Although the skills 
education content will be similar to that provided CBTfm, there will be: (1) no specific emphasis on 
patients’ observation of their own behavior and SE and (2) no discussion of the importance of 
patient observation of their own behavior or SE in adaptation to FM.   
Homework. Study subjects in both the CBTfm and the HE groups will be given material to read 
each week summarizing and supplementing the information that is covered during the sessions. 
Also, subjects in the CBTfm group will be given behavioral assignments as described in Appendix 
VIII.  
6. STUDY EVALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS 
6.1. Schedule and Timing of Assessments. 
Phone Screening 
1. RA Completes phone screening form  
2. If subject meets preliminary criteria, schedule visit 
3. Mail/email a copy of the informed consent to review and the HIPPA/ release of information 
(ROI) for  their treating physicians (e.g., PCP, Pain Specialist, Rheumatologist, Psychiatrist) 
to release relevant medical records for review by the study medical provider.  
4. Mail/email the concomitant medications form to fill out before initial visit.  
5. Provide postage paid return envelope for forms. 
6. 5-6 business days prior to initial screening, if medical records have not been received, study 
staff will call the subject and any relevant providers to get records. If they are not received 
prior to the visit, the subject will be rescheduled. 
Visit 1: Initial Screening 
1. Informed consent by subjects 
2. Patient contact form (see Appendix O) 
3. Physical Examination 
• 
Vital Signs (initial vitals form) 
• 
Medical evaluation  
• 
ACR 1990 criteria for a classification of FM 
o Duration of symptoms 
o Figure drawing 
o Manual Tender Point Survey 
• 
ACR 2010 provisional criteria for classification of FM 
o WPI 
o SS 
• 
Physical tests 
o Range of Motion (ROM) 
o Strength 
o Sit-stand 
4. Laboratory Testing 
• 
Urine toxicology screen  


 
 
 
Page 29 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
• 
Urine dipstick pregnancy test for female subjects 
• 
Additional blood/screening tests at the discretion of the study MD/ARNP to confirm 
eligibility. 
5. Questionnaires completed by patients (see Appendices for the questionnaires) 
• 
Pain Diagram (see Appendix P) 
• 
STOP-bang sleep apnea questionnaire (see Appendix X) 
• 
Background and history form (electronic) (see Appendix II) 
• 
Symptom Checklist 
6. Health Care Provider Contact (ONLY patients who will need to reduce dosage of or titrate 
off any current medications for eligibility) 
• 
Examining clinicians will contact provider who is prescribing patient’s antidepressant 
to confer about eligibility. 
• 
If the subject’s response to the STOP-bang assessment indicates a substantial risk 
for sleep apnea the examining clinician will confer with a sleep specialist regarding 
the appropriateness of enrolling the subject.  
Visit 2: Screening visit:  
1. Urine toxicology report review (see Appendix Q) 
2. Treatment Credibility (TC – pre-treatment form) 
3. Baseline Questionnaires completed by patients electronically (see Appendix III) 
• 
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR) 
• 
Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) 
• 
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) 
• 
Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) 
• 
Life Events Checklist (LEC) 
• 
PTSD Checklist (PCL) 
• 
Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) 
• 
PROMIS 
4.  Assessment of Central Sensitization 
• 
Temporal Summation (TS) (see Appendix R) 
• 
Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNIC) (see Appendix S) 
5. 6-minute walk test 
6. Daily Diary Packet dispensed 
• 
Pain Severity 
• 
Fatigue 
• 
Sleep Quality 
7. Actigraphy 
• 
Patients will be provided the actiwatch and given verbal and written instructions on 
how to use it correctly.  
Visit 3: Treatment visit Week 1- titration (Drug Day 1) 
1. Daily diary and actiwatch returned 
2. Final determination of eligibility based on diary completion and a pain score ≥4 and ≤ 9. If 
subject has not completed 4 out of 5 daily diaries, they will be informed that study 


 
 
 
Page 30 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
participation is contingent on them completing this diary and participating in all aspects of 
the protocol, including completing diaries, questionnaires, behavioral-treatment homework 
and medication adherence. They will be sent home and given 1 more week to complete the 
diary. If they return and did not complete the diary, they will not be eligible for the study. 
3. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject (BPI/AE form) 
4. Vital signs 
5. Conference with subject to discuss final determination of eligibility. 
6. Concomitant medications reviewed 
7. Complete enrollment form 
8. Randomization 
9. Clinician visit for titration 
10. Give handouts for study medication information and titration schedule. 
11. Study drug (i.e., Tram, Pbo) + rescue med (acetaminophen) delivered 
12. HE or CBT therapist review patient history form prior to first treatment and sign off 
Phone call: Titration check  
3 to 4 days after starting study medication, study staff will call the subject to see how they are 
adapting to the study medication. If the subject reports any adverse events (AEs) the staff will 
confer with the medical provider to determine the appropriate course of action. 
Optional in person Treatment visit- Week 2 (Day 7 +/-2) (ONLY AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 
TITRATION MED ISSUES) 
1. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
2. Evaluation with medical provider 
Visit 4: Treatment visit – Week 3 (Day 14 +/- 2)  
Titration Complete/First Behavioral Health Treatment 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject (BPI/AE form) 
3. Serotonin syndrome checklist 
4. Vital Signs 
5. Clinician visit-titration complete, decision of exclusion made if subject is unable to tolerate 
study dose. 
6. CBTfm of HE Session 1 
7. Therapist rating of treatment progress, attendance, task completion 
8. Study drug delivered (Tram/Pbo) as needed 
Visit 5: Treatment visit- Week 4 (Day 21 +/- 2) 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subjectVital Signs 
3. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) 
4. CBTfm or HE Session 2 
5. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
6. Study drug  


 
 
 
Page 31 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Visit 6: Treatment visit- Week 5 (Day 28 +/- 2) 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
3. Serotonin syndrome checklist 
4. Vital Signs 
5. CBTfm or HE Session 3 
6. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
7. Study drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
Visit 7: Treatment visit- Week 6 (Day 35 +/- 2) 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
3. HADS 
4. Vital signs 
5. CBTfm or HE Session 4 
6. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
7. Study drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
8. Actiwatch and daily diary provided 
Visit 8: Treatment visit Week 7 ( Day 42 +/- 2) 
1. Daily diary and actiwatch returned 
2. Pill Count performed by RC/ RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
3. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
4. Serotonin syndrome checklist 
5. Vital signs 
9. Mid-treatment Questionnaires (see Appendix IV): performed prior to CBT/HE 
• 
FIQR 
• 
SF-MPQ-2 
• 
HADS 
• 
MAF 
• 
PCS 
6. Central Sensitization evaluation ( DNIC/TS) performed prior to CBT/HE 
7. 6-minute walk test 
8. Urine toxicology screen 
9. CBTfm or HE session 5 
10. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
11. Study drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
Visit 9: Treatment visit Week 8 (Day 49 +/- 2) 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 


 
 
 
Page 32 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
3. HADS 
4. Vital Signs 
5. CBTfm or HE Session 6 
6. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
7. Study drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
Visit 10: Treatment visit Week 9 (Day 56 +/-2 ) 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
3. Serotonin Syndrome Checklist 
4. Vital Signs 
5. CBTfm or HE Session 7 
6. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
7. Study drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
Visit 11: Treatment visit Week 10 (Day 63 +/- 2) Last Behavioral Health visit 
1. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
2. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
3. HADS 
4. Vital Signs 
5. CBTfm or HE session 8 
6. Treatment credibility (TC – post-tx form) – completed by patient after CBTfm/HE 
7. Therapist ratings of treatment progress, attendance, and task completion 
8. Study Drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered 
9. Daily diary and actiwatch provided 
Visit 12: Post-Treatment Evaluation Week 11 (Day 70 +/-2): Post-Treatment Evaluation  
1. Actigraphy and daily diary returned 
2. Pill count performed by RC/RA to document medication adherence, concomitant 
medications reviewed 
3. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
4. Serotonin syndrome checklist 
5. Vital Signs 
6. Physical Examination 
• 
Manual Tender Point Survey 
• 
   Physical tests 
o 6-minute walk 
o Range of Motion (ROM) 
o Strength 
o Sit-stand 
7. Clinician visit-drug taper 


 
 
 
Page 33 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
8. 6-minute walk test (must be done before removal of actiwatch) 
12. Central Sensitization evaluation (DNIC/TS)  
9. Post-Treatment Questionnaires (see Appendix V) completed by patient: 
• 
FIQR 
• 
SF-MPQ-2 
• 
HADS 
• 
MAF 
• 
PCL 
• 
PCS 
• 
Patient Global Impression of change (PGIC) 
• 
PROMIS 
10. Clinician Global Impression of change (CGIC) completed by clinician 
11. Study Drug (Tram/Pbo) delivered for taper 
12. Drug taper information provided to subject 
Phone Call- Drug Taper check in (Day 77 +/-2) 
Study staff will call the subject to check on adherence and any issues related to study drug taper; 
any AE to be reported. 
Study staff will review AEs or any other pertinent issue with the study medical provider to determine 
if an interim visit should be scheduled. 
Drug Taper visit (ONLY AS NEEDED BASIS DEPENDING ON HOW PATIENT IS RESPONDING 
TO THE DRUG TAPER) 
1. Adverse events reviewd and reported 
2. Evaluation by medical provider 
Visit 13: Final Treatment Visit (Day 84 +/- 2) 
1. Medication turned in, final pill count performed, concomitant medications reviewed 
2. Evaluation by medical provider 
3. Vital signs 
4. Pain rating/AE sheet completed by subject 
5. HADS 
3 Month Follow-up and monthly phone contact: 
3 months from the post-treatment date a 3 month follow-up electronic questionnaire (see Appendix 
VI) will be emailed to subjects to be completed from their home on their computer. The RA will call 
subjects to inform them of the email, and if they request to fill out a paper-and-pencil form then that 
will be mailed to them with a postage paid return envelope. The RA will also call each subject 
once/month from the completion of treatment until the 6-month follow-up. There will be no forms 
completed during these calls, with the exception of the 3 month follow-up described above. The RA 
will only be calling to check in with the subject. 
Visit 14 (6-month follow-up) 
1. Concomitant medications reviewed 
2. Vital signs 
3. 6-minute walk test 
4. Central Sensitization evaluation (DNIC/TS)  


 
 
 
Page 34 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
5. Medical evaluation 
• 
Manual Tender Point Survey 
• 
Physical tests 
o 6-minute walk 
o Range of Motion (ROM) 
o Strength 
o Sit-stand 
6. 6-Month Follow-Up Questionnaires (see Appendix VII) completed by subject: 
• 
FIQR 
• 
SF-MPQ-2 
• 
HADS 
• 
MAF 
• 
PCL 
• 
PCS 
• 
PGIC 
• 
Brief pain inventory (BPI) 
7. CGIC completed by clinician 
8. Adherence assessed  
9. Daily diary and actiwatch provided 
Patients will wear the Actiwatch for 7 days after the 6-month post-treatment assessment. They 
will be asked to mail this, along with their daily diary packet, to the research center with provided 
postage paid envelopes. Research staff will follow-up with a phone call if paperwork and 
Actiwatch have not been returned within 2 weeks.  
6.2. Description of all procedures, evaluations, and outcome measures.  
Patient Self-reported Outcome Measures 
6.2.1.1. Demographic variables and medical history. Basic demographic data—date of birth, 
sex, ethnicity, race, marital status, living arrangements, and years of education—will be assessed 
during the baseline visit in an electronic CRF. The subject’s will complete a medical history, 
including information regarding past and current medical disorders, treatments, and medications as 
well as past and current painful conditions.  
6.2.1.2. Self-report outcome measurse. 5-day daily pain diary. As recommended in recent 
guidelines for assessing treatment outcomes in chronic pain clinical trials52,53, pain will be assessed 
by asking subjects to rate their average pain on an 11-point rating scale ranging from 0 (“No pain”) 
to 10 (“Pain as bad as you can imagine”). Such pain intensity ratings have been extensively used 
as primary outcomes in the assessment of a wide variety of acute and chronic pain syndromes. 
Subjects will also be asked to rate their sleep quality and fatigue in this 5-day daily pain diary (see 
Appendix D). Subjects will be asked to complete a 5-day daily diary at baseline, mid-way through 
treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. 
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire – Revised (FIQR) will be used to assess pain quality, physical 
and emotional functioning.  
Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2)54 is a revised version of the Short-form McGill 
Pain Questionnaire55 that includes the original descriptors assessing sensory and affective 
dimensions of pain supplemented by neuropathic pain descriptors. The reliability and validity are 


 
 
 
Page 35 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
well-documented, and studies of the reliability and validity of the SF-MPQ-2 in a large sample of 
chronic pain patients have recently been completed.54 
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)56 will be used to assess the extent to which pain 
interferes with emotional functioning.  
Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF)57 will be used to assess self-reported fatigue. This 
scale measures five different elements of fatigue; degree, severity, distress, impact on activities of 
daily living, and timing of the fatigue over the past week.  
PTSD Checklist (PCL) will be used to measure the 17 DSMV-IV-TR symptoms of PTSD.  
Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) will be used to assess catastrophic thinking relating to pain.  
The FIQR, SF-MPQ-2, HADS, MAF, PCL and PCS will be administered at baseline (Visit 2), mid-
treatment (Visit 8), post-treatment (Visit 12), 3 months after treatment (electronically), and at the 6-
month follow-up (Visit 14). 
Life Events Checklist (LEC) will be used at Visit 2 to assess any traumatic or stressful life events, 
including how upsetting these events were at the time and how much they have affected the 
participant’s life in the past year.  
Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) will be used at visits 2 
and 12 to measure how patients perceive their physical and mental health status. 
 Stop-Bang Questionnaire will be used at visit 1 to assess for significant risk of sleep apnea. 
Serotnin Syndrome Checklist will be used to monitor symptoms that may be related to serotonin 
syndrome.  
 
Post-treatment evaluation of treatment.  
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).58 Subjects will provide a global rating of their 
improvement by answering the single question rated on a 7-point scale: “Since the start of 
treatment (last rating), how much would you rate your overall improvement?”   
Evaluation of the double-blind. To evaluate the integrity of the double-blind, at the final visit all 
subjects and their physicians will be asked whether they believe the subject was assigned to Tram 
or to Pbo, CBTfm or HE and to indicate the basis of this judgement. 
Treatment Credibility Ratings. Subjects will rate how believable (credible) they perceive the 
treatment they receive to be on a set of 4 items, 9-point Likert-type scale developed by Borkovec 
and Nau (see Appendix E).59 These ratings will be made both at pre-treatment (Visit 2) and at the 
end of the final treatment session (Visit 11). This method has been shown to have good internal 
consistency ( .91) and was used in a previous project (AR44724). 
6.2.2. Clinician Assessments and Evaluations. 
6.2.2.1. Clinician exam of eligibility.  
Diagnosis. The diagnosis of FM will be made clinically on the basis of the subject's      
history, tender point exam, and symptom severity ratings by physician investigators following the 
ACR 199044 classification criteria and the ACR 2010 provisional diagnostics procedures44 FM will be 
defined as meeting the 1990 (widespread pain of at least 3-months duration and at least 11/18 
specific tender points upon administration of the Manual Tender Point Survey,60 The 2010 criteria 
will also be assessed (Widespread Pain Index, WPI [0-19] based on self-reported number of painful 
body sites and Symptom Severity Score, SS [0-12]: Fatigue [0-3], Waking unrefreshed [0-3], 
Cognitive symptoms [0-3], Somatic symptoms [0-3]. FM is diagnosed if any of the following are met: 
WWPI ≥7 and SS score ≥5  or 3 < WPI < 6 and SS score ≥9. Symptoms have been present at a 


 
 
 
Page 36 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
similar level ≥3 months and Absence of another disorder that would otherwise explain the pain. 
Review of medical systems and targeted physical examination. The physician  
will review the subjects complete a medical history, including information regarding past and current 
medical disorders, treatments, and medications as well as past and current painful conditions. A 
targeted physical examination will be conducted, with particular attention paid to symptoms and 
signs relevant to this protocol.   
Physical examination. Physician will also assess participants’ physical capacity using 6-minute 
walk test, neck and lumbar range of motion, knee extension, grip strength, and the sit-stand test 
(see Appendix F).  
6.3. Titration visits. Subjects will undergo a 14-day period during which their study drug  
is titrated upward according to the schedule given in Table 5.5.4.1. They will be instructed to follow 
this upward titration schedule unless they experience unacceptable side effects. Subjects who 
cannot reach a dose of 4 study pills per day will be dropped from the study.  
The dose achieved by each subject by Day 14 of the titration phase will be the dose given to them 
during the 8-week treatment phase of the study (i.e., between Days 15 and 71 of the study).  
However, if subjects report unacceptable side effects at some time during this 8-week period, they 
will be permitted to reduce their intake by 1 tablet/day. Conversely, if they are taking fewer than 8 
tablets/day as of day 14, and later report of inadequate pain relief, they will be allowed to increase 
their intake by 1 tablet/day.  
6.4. Clinician post-treatment evaluation. Clinician Global Impression of Improvement  
in Treatment. Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) for each subject (7-point scale similar to 
what patient will complete). 
Evaluation of the double-blind. To evaluate the integrity of the double-blind, at the final visit 
physicians and nurse practitioners will be asked whether they believe the subject was assigned to 
Tram or to Pbo, CBTfm or HE and to indicate the basis of this judgement. 
6.5. Psychologist Assessments and Evaluations. 
6.5.1. Eligibility Evaluation.  
6.5.1.1. Therapist Ratings. The psychologists and health educators will complete ratings of  
subjects’ mood, pain behaviors, comprehension, participation, proficiency of coping techniques, and 
receptivity following each session (see Appendix H). These will be combined to create session-by-
session progress ratings. This procedure was originally used in Turk et al.46 and in an ongoing 
project (AR44724). The process measures will be used as independent variables to predict 
treatment response. 
6.6. Actigraphy. After the screening evaluation and provision of consent, subjects will wear an 
actigraph (Actiwatch, Philips Respironics, Bend OR) on their wrists for 5 days in order to provide 2 
types of data: (1) objective sleep data and (2) a global index of physical activity level during waking 
hours. They will wear the watch also at mid-point of treatment (between Visit 7-8), upon completion 
of treatment (between Visit 11-12), and for 5 days following 6-month follow-up visit.     
6.6.1. Sleep parameters. Sleep-wake patterns will be calculated from body movement                   
data using the Actiware Sleep version 3.4, which bases its algorithm on the amplitude and 
frequency of detected movements scored in 30 sec epochs.61-63 Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, 
and number of awakenings are measured.64, 65 
6.6.2. Physical activity level when a subject is awake. A global index of physical  
activity level during waking hours will be derived from the actigraphic data summed over waking 
hours. 


 
 
 
Page 37 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
At the end of the 5-day home recordings, the activity data will be downloaded to a computer and 
subsequently processed. The mean of daytime activity levels, nighttime activity levels, and 
percentage time spent asleep during the daytime and nighttime, respectively will be calculated. This 
protocol is currently being used in a study being conducted by the project team (Turk et al., in 
progress).  
6.7. Central Sensitization. 
6.7.1. Central Sensitization (CS) and FM. Although the causal mechanisms of symptoms 
underlying FM are not well understood, research suggests that CS of noxious sensory information 
is an important contributing factor. CS can be manifested by reduced ability to inhibit noxious 
stimuli (i.e., diffuse noxious inhibitory controls - DNIC), and/or by facilitation of noxious input (i.e., 
temporal summation – TS). Patients with FM have been shown to have both impaired DNIC and 
enhanced TS of nociceptive stimuli.30-33  If, as postulated, CS is a fundamental process in FM, 
changes in the clinical status of FM patients should be associated with changes in CS. Because 
heighted sensitivity to noxious stimuli is thought to be a pathologic hallmark of FM, we hypothesize 
that CBTfm, will result in the lowering of the nociceptive responding, as evidenced by an increase in 
DNIC efficiency. Specifically, we hypothesize that (1) DNIC will increase and TS decrease over the 
course of CBTfm and (2) decrease in pain severity will be associated with decreased CS, as 
measured by both DNIC and TS. A recent pilot study examining a different physiological marker 
provides preliminary support for the feasibility of the latter hypothesis. 20 
6.7.1.1. Assessment of CS. Potential subjects who are found to be eligible for the study will 
undergo CS assessments. The protocol described is currently being used in a pilot project by the 
project team.66 
6.7.1.2. Temporal Summation To assess temporal summation (TS), an indicator of the ascending 
excitatory mechanisms of pain processing, we will follow methods described by Granot et al67. 
Briefly, we will administer sequences of brief, repetitive mechanical stimuli using a 6.45 g von Frey 
monafilmament to the ventral side of the non-dominant forearm, and patients will be asked to rate 
the level of pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10 after each application. Prior to testing patients will 
first be given brief training in order to familiarize them with the von Frey monofilament, the 
sensations, and the task. They will be told that we will ask them to rate the pain on the 1st and 10th 
prick, and we will apply the prick twice on the lower half of the volar aspect of the non-dominant 
forearm. Immediately following this training, 10 pricks will be applied with the monofilament, all 
within a dime sized area of skin on the upper half of the volar aspect of the non-dominant forearm, 
with 1 sec interval between pricks. Subjects will be asked to rate the first time of the application, 
and then 10th time. Temporal summation will be calculated by subtracting the first pain rating from 
the last rating in each 10-pulse sequence.  
6.7.1.3. Descending Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNIC) assesses the degree to which exposure 
to an ongoing painful “conditioning” stimulus inhibits the pain caused by a brief, repeated painful 
“test” stimulus. DNIC assessment will be conducted following a published procedure (Appendix I).68 
The assessment involves test stimulation (conditioning stimulus), and then a second test stimulation 
concurrently with the conditioning stimulus. Patients will be asked to avoid any medications (eg, 
acetaminophen) for at least 6 hours prior to testing. For test stimulation, we will use contact heat 
pain produced by the TSA-II stimulator. For conditioning stimulus, we will use a 46.5°C hot water 
bath.  
Training phase: Subjects will be exposed to 2 short heat stimuli (43o & 44°C), applied to their 
dominant forearm using a heat probe, each lasting 7sec from the time the stimulus intensity 
reaches the target temperature. Subjects will be asked to rate the level of pain on a scale from 0 to 
10. 


 
 
 
Page 38 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Determination of test stimulus intensity (pain-60): After completing the training phase, the RA/RC 
will determine the “pain-60” value for each patient (ie, the temperature rated by the subject as a 6 
on a 0-10 point scale). To determine pain-60 subjects will be exposed to a series of heat stimuli, 
each 0.5 s in duration. The first series will consist of 43, 44, and 45o C stimulations with a 1-min 
interstimulus interval. After each stimulus, subjects will be asked to rate the level of pain on a 0-10 
numerical rating scale. If one of these stimuli is rated as 6, that temperature will be chosen as the 
stimulus for the TS assessment; if not, additional steps for determining pain-6 will be applied. If the 
pain rating is > 6, additional stimuli of 46 and 47oC will be applied, and so on until pain-6 is reached. 
The maximum temperature will be 49oC. In order to reconfirm the pain-6 temperature, an additional 
stimulus at the same intensity will be given and rated by the subject. 
Administration of test stimulus: The thermode will be strapped in place on the forearm and the test 
stimulus will be applied for 30s at the pain-6 temperature. In each test stimulus period, subjects will 
rate the level of pain intensity 4 times: at 0, 10, 20, and 30s after the onset of the pain-6 
temperature. The mean score of the 4 pain ratings will be calculated.   
Conditioning stimulus: Five minutes after delivering the first test stimulus, subjects will be asked to 
place their non-dominant hand in the hot water bath in a still position with their fingers wide apart for 
60s. Patients will be asked to rate the level of pain intensity 4 times: at 0, 10, 20, and 30s after 
immersion of the hand into the water.  
The mean score of the 4 pain ratings will be calculated as the conditioning pain score. Subsequent 
to the 4th pain rating for the conditioning stimulus (after 30s of the hand being immersed in the hot 
water), Patients will be asked to shift their focus to the contact heat pain and the test stimulus will 
be applied again for 30s at the pain-6 temperature. Subects will rate the level of contact heat pain 
intensity 4 times: at 0, 40, 50, and 60s after immersion of their hand in the hot water bath, while 
their non-dominant hand remains in the hot water bath. The mean score of the 4 pain ratings will be 
calculated.   
DNIC will be calculated as follows: The mean of the 4 pain ratings made during the first test 
stimulus administration will be subtracted from the mean of the 4 pain ratings made during the 
second test stimulus administration (at the end of the conditioning stimulus condition). Negative 
scores indicate pain inhibition, positive scores pain facilitation and scores of 0, for example, would 
indicate no DNIC (no pain inhibition). 
TS and DNIC will be assessed prior to initiation of treatment, following treatment session 5, and 
post-treatment. 
6.8. Research Staff Procedures. 
6.8.1. Recruitment. Records will be kept of all contacts that occur between potential  
subjects and the sites, including eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and reasons for 
non-participation. All HIPAA, IRB, and local regulations regarding the recording and retention of 
these records will be followed. 
6.8.2. Prescreening. During this telephone contact, the RA will explain study requirements. All 
potential subjects who contact the project office will be screened over the telephone to determine if 
they (1) meet minimal inclusion and exclusion critieria and (2) are willing to commit to the 
requirements of the study (e.g., obtain consent of a healthcare provider, attend regular sesssion, 
taper any medication currently taking). During this telephone contact, the RA will provide an 
overview of the study and will explain study participant requirements (See Appendix C).    
6.8.3. Medication Log and Pharmacological Adherence. At all visits following the  
baseline visit, all returned medication will be recorded in a medication log (see Appendix J) for each 
subject. Pharmacological adherence wil be assessed through these weekly pill counts. All use of 


 
 
 
Page 39 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
concomitant medications and any other treatments that may have an effect on FM pain will be 
evaluated during all of the in-person and telephone interviews (and from the daily diaries during the 
first month) and recorded in logs provided for that purpose. These data will make it possible to 
examine the relationship between analgesic equivalence levelse.g.,69 and pain. Adverse events will 
be evaluated during all of the in-person and telephone interviews (and from the daily diaries during 
the first month) and recorded in logs provided for that purpose (see section 10.3). At all of the 
follow-up visits and telephone contacts throughout the trial, any new medical conditions and 
treatments will be documented (see Appendix K). Particular attention will be paid to documenting 
any office visits, procedures, inpatient admissions, treatments, and any other use of health care 
resources associated with the subject’s FM since the previous visit or telephone contact.  
7. Compensation. Subjects will be compensated $25 for completion of each of the 2 pre- 
treatment, an additional $100.00 for the completion of treatment, and $150 for return at  the 6-
month follow-up asssessment (Total possible = $300.00). They will not be reimbursed for any travel 
expenses that they incur for scheduled or unscheduled visits.  
8. ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH STUDY MEDICATIONS 
The most common adverse effects and side effects associated with the medications being 
administered in this protocol are listed below. Common side effects associated with the medications 
being administered in this study will be managed, when necessary, by halting titration of blinded 
study medication by 1 pill/day. If subjects report unacceptable side effects that they attribute to the 
rescue medication (acetaminophen), they will work with the study clinician to modify the dose of 
their acetaminophen. Dose reductions of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 tablets/day might be instituted, and 
if unacceptable side effects continue, permitting reduction of blinded study medication and rescue 
medication as described above. 
Tramadol (Tram): light-headedness, dizziness, tiredness, constipation, excessively high spirits, 
irritability, nausea, vomiting, sweating, redness of face, decreased ability to cough, slowed 
breathing, itching, physical tolerance and dependence if taken for sustained periods of time. 
There is some indication that Tramadol may also be associated with a new onet or worsening of 
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to 
stop unpleasant sensations. 
Acetaminophen: headache, liver damage and failure, jaundice, skin rash, shortness of breath, chest 
pain, problems with blood. 
9. CRITERIA FOR INTERVENTION DISCONTINUATION 
The participation of subjects in this study may be terminated by the site investigators or the PI 
without the subject’s consent for the following reasons: if it appears to be medically harmful to the 
subject, if the subject fails to follow directions for participating in the study, if it is discovered that the 
subject does not meet study requirements, or if the study is ended. 
10. STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
10.1. General Design Issues and Outcomes. The study biostatistician (Dr.  Ciol) will be  
responsible for creating an analysis data set and making any data transformations that are 
necessary, as well as for conducting all statistical analyses and reviewing the results of the 
analyses with the PD, PIs, and the investigators. The biostatistician will also be responsible for 
preparing drafts of the results of the analyses for conference presentations and manuscript 
preparation. 
10.1.1. Primary outcome measure. The primary outcome will be mean pain severity derived from 
5-day daily diaries (see Appendix D) and and physical functioning derived from the Fibromyalgia 
Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR).70 


 
 
 
Page 40 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
10.1.2. Secondary outcome measures.The secondary and exploratory outcome measures 
include: The Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-II (SF-MPQ-2)54 total and subscale scores, 
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS56), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), 
PTSD Checklist (PCL), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Patient Reported Outcomes 
Measurement Information System (PROMIS), the Patient Global Index of Change (PGIC), and the 
Clinician Global Index fo Change (CGIC). In addition, adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events 
(SAEs), study withdrawals, and medication compliance will be examined to evaluate the tolerability 
and safety of treatment of FM subjects with Tram. 
10.2. Sample Size. In this clinical trial, 162 subjects will be randomly assigned to receive one of 4  
treatments: CBTfm + Tram, HE +Tram, CBTfm +Pbo, HE + Pbo (50/group). This sample size 
should be sufficient for detecting a clinically meaningful effect of CBTfm +Tram, allowing for a 
maximum 15% discontinuatiton rate. The primary outcome variable will be a reduction of at least 
30% on the pain score (5-day daily pain diary) or 20% improvement in physical function (FIQR) 
from baseline (pre-treatment) to post-treatment. Subjects who achieve such decrease in pain or 
improvement in function will be labeled “responders.” A similar approach to using a composite 
outcome criterion was used in recent pivotal clinical trials submitted to the FDA for approval of 
Milnacipran with FM patients.1a-d Our primary hypothesis may be supported by a statistically 
significant difference in proportion of responders among the 4 groups at the α = .05 level using a 
chi-square test, followed by a post-hoc test of difference between pairs of groups. We propose to 
enroll 81 individuals in each site, for a total of 162 individuals in the final intent-to-treat sample. The 
power for this sample size is quite high. For example, if we observe a proportion of responders of .2 
for HE + Pbo, .4 for HE +Tram, .4 for CBTfm + Pbo, and .6 for CBTfm + Tram, we would have a 
power of .8 to find the difference between groups.  
10.3. Data Analyses. 
10.3.1. Premature termination. In order to assure that the patients who did not complete the  
protocol (“tx-N”) are not different from those who completed (“tx-C”), the tx-Ns will be 
compared with the tx-Cs on demographics, medical history, and symptoms, and assignment 
group. A similar strategy will be used to compare those who refuse to participate following the 
initial evaluation. The assessment of treatment efficacy will be performed using the intention-
to-treat method. Intention-to-treat is a method of data analysis in which the primary tabulations 
and companion summaries of outcome data are by assigned treatment, regardless of 
treatment completion or cross-over to a different treatment. This approach safeguards against 
making an erroneous claim of efficacy because of biases resulting from exclusion of those who 
fail to complete treatment as prescribed. 
10.3.2. Therapist Effects. Since 2 psychologists and 2 HEs are involved in each of the treatment  
conditions, it is important to assure that treatment efficacy is not biased due to therapist effects. In 
order to minimize the potential therapist effects, several steps will be taken: (1) use of detailed 
treatment protocol, (2) review of audiotaped therapy sessions that are randomly selected by the PIs 
for review, and (3) weekly meetings between therapists and PIs to discuss process and progress.  
10.3.3. Analytical Software. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Software  
Package for Social Sciences) for Windows or Mac (version 18 or higher), and SAS version 9.1.3. or 
higher. 
10.3.4. Analytical Approach 
10.3.4.1 Assumptions for Statistical Procedures. Prior to conducting any statistical 
analyses to test hypotheses, exploratory analyses will be performed as needed in order to 
check the underlying assumptions for each statistical procedure (e.g., normal curve plots, 
testing for the homogeneity of variance).   


 
 
 
Page 41 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
10.3.4.2 Analytic Approach for the Primary Aim.  
The primary outcome will be a reduction of at least 30% on the pain score (mean for 5-day daily 
pain diary) or improvement of 20% physical function (FIQR) from baseline (pre-treatment) to post-
treatment. Individuals who achieve such decrease in pain will be labeled “responders.”   
Hypothesis 1A: The group of FM patients receiving combination therapy (CBTfm+Tram) will have a 
larger proportion of responders as compared to the other 3 treatment groups.  
Hypothesis 1B: The differences in proportion of responders will be maintained at the 6-month 
follow-up. 
1. The primary analytic approach is a Chi-square test of homogeneity among the 4 treatment 
groups, using the classification “responder” or “non-responder” for each person. The test will 
use a signifcance level of 0.05. If the test is not statistically significant, we will conclude that 
the 4 treatment groups yield the same proportion of responders. If the test is statistically 
signifcant, we will proceed with a post-hoc test to identify which groups are different from 
each other. In addition, we will calcuate confidence intervals for proportion of responders in 
each group.  
2. To determine if combined treatment results in better maintenance as compared to the other 
3 groups, the same type of analysis will be conducted with post-6 months outcomes 
(responder versus non-responder). 
3. Individuals will be analyzed in the group assigned to them through randomization regardless 
of their adherence to the treatment (intent-to-treat approach). Missing values for outcome 
variables will be treated as described below in 10.3.6. 
Hypotheses 2-5 are secondary hypothesis and will be interpreted as exploratory.  
Hypothesis 2: Decrease in CS, as assessed via TS and DNIC, and decrease in affective distress 
will predict improvement in function.  
We will conduct a sequential regression analysis, with percent change in FIQR as the dependent 
variable, and baseline pain severity entered in Step 1, and TS, DNIC, and HADS scores entered in 
step 2. Hypothesis 2 will be supported by a statistically significant beta weight for TS, DNIC, and 
HADS.  
Objective #3: Test of the Perceptual Dissociation between perceived and actual sleep quality and 
activity. 
Hypothesis 3: Modest to weak relationships among objective measures of sleep and activity and 
self-report measures of sleep and functioning. 
Correlations will be < 0.30 among objective measures of sleep and activity and self-report 
measures of sleep and functioning. 
1. Bivariate correlations among self-report and objective measures of sleep and activity 
will be evaluated. 
2. Multiple regression analyses will be conducted to investigate the relative importance 
of perceived and actual sleep quality, as predictors of activity levels. 
Objective #4:  
Test mediational model of activity.  
Hypothesis 4-5:  
4. Pain and Mood will predict increase in activity (as assessed via actigraphy).  


 
 
 
Page 42 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
5. The path analysis will indicate a mediational effect of fatigue level on physical function (FIQR), 
driven by measures of pain level, sleep quality, and mood.  
Path analysis will be conducted to test the model presented in Figure D6.5 for all patients at 
baseline (implemented using PROC 
CALIS in SAS version 9.1.3). 
Specifically, the model posits a 
meditational effect of fatigue on 
activity level, arising from pain level, 
sleep disturbance, and mood 
disturbance. Additionally, direct effects 
are indicated for pain level and mood 
on activity levels. Two main analyses 
will be included as part of the path 
analysis.  
First, the proposed model will be 
tested for adequate fit, given the data, 
and will be described in terms of the 
Comparative Fit Index (CFI). The CFI 
ranges from 0 (poor fit) to 1 (perfect fit), and is a widely-accepted fit index used in structural 
equation modeling approaches to data analysis.72  
Second, parameter estimates for each path described will be evaluated for relative importance 
using the Wald test. Path coefficients not significantly differing from the null can be concluded 
to play no role or effect on activity level 72, and the model will be subsequently modified and re-
tested for adequacy of fit.  
10.3.5. Adverse Events.  The number and percentage of patients in each group who experience a  
treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) will be summarized. Associated adverse events will also 
be summarized, and include those events the investigators consider to be possibly, probably, or 
definitely related to treatment, and those for which the relationship is unknown (See Appendix M). 
10.3.6. Treatment of missing data. Every effort will be made to retain subjects in this study and to 
collect all data at every visit. If a subject cannot tolerate or refuses to continue taking study 
medication, follow up and evaluation will continue if the subject is willing. If a subject drops out, 
attempts will be made to bring the subject in for a final evaluation. Adherence with trial procedures, 
dropouts/dropins, and reasons for subject withdrawal will be carefully tracked throughout the study. 
If a subject is missing a response at a particular visit, missing data will be imputed using a multiple 
imputation algorithm based on linear or logistic regression (depending on the whether the outcome 
is a numeric or binary variable). For subjects with complete data up to a particular visit, a regression 
model will be fit that includes the outcome at that visit as the response variable and outcomes at 
previous visits, treatment group, center, age, sex, pain intensity, as explanatory variables. Separate 
models will be similarly constructed for each visit. Using these regression models, a missing value 
for a subject at a particular visit will be imputed as a draw from the predictive distribution given the 
outcomes at previous visits (some possibly imputed), treatment group, center, age, sex, acute pain 
intensity. This will be done sequentially starting with the Day 4 visit. This process will be repeated 
10 times, resulting in 10 complete analysis data sets. The analyses will be performed separately for 
each of the 10 complete analysis data sets, and the results will be combined into one multiple 
imputation inference (estimated treatment effect and associated confidence interval and p-value). 
This strategy is appropriate for data sets that have a monotone missing pattern. If the data set does 
not precisely have this pattern, the monotone data augmentation method using Markov-Chain 
Figure 3c.23
Path Model
Sleep
Mood
Fatigue
Pain
Function


 
 
 
Page 43 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
Monte-Carlo will be used to impute the small amount of missing data that is required to make the 
missing data pattern monotone before applying the multiple imputation algorithm described above. 
This approach to imputation is considered superior to other strategies such as carrying forward the 
last available observation, which often yields unrealistic imputed values. Also, the use of multiple 
imputation avoids the problem of artificially increasing power through data imputation associated 
with single-imputation methods because it accounts for the uncertainty associated with the 
imputation. It is hoped that the overall conclusions regarding the effects of the interventions will not 
depend greatly on the analysis or imputation strategy used, particularly if the occurrence of missing 
data is minimized.  
10.4. Data Monitoring. A data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) established by NIAMS (KAI 
contract). Information on all AEs, SAEs, recruitment and retention, data completeness, and data 
quality will be available for review by the DSMB. It is not anticipated that there will be any major 
safety concerns with the medications administered in this trial, all of which are FDA approved and 
have well-characterized safety and tolerability profiles. Tram has been studied in FM, there is no 
reason to believe that its safety and tolerability will be a significant problem. Interim analyses of all 
AEs and SAEs will be performed periodically throughout the trial for the DSMB. The safety of 
subjects will be a primary concern of the DSMB and project team, and AEs and particularly SAEs 
will need to be carefully considered by the DSMB. If anything appears problematic in the combined 
data or at the specific request of the DSMB, we will provide analyses of AEs and SAEs broken 
down by the 4 groups separately, and we will provide completely unblinded analyses if the DSMB 
believes this is necessary. Since Tram and the behavioral-health interventions used in this project 
have been shown to have modest benefits as monotherapies, we do not anticipate that efficacy will 
be sufficiently disparate across groups to warrant terminating the trial.   
In addition, the DSMB will periodically review data regarding the rate of subject accrual over time. If 
the NIAMS, in consultation with the DSMB, determines that the accrual rate falls substantially below 
that which is necessary for timely completion of the trial, the trial may be halted for futility. The trial 
may also be halted for futility if other indicators of trial performance (e.g., subject retention, data 
quality) suggest that this is appropriate.  
11. DATA COLLECTION, SITE MONITORING, AND ADVERSE EXPERIENCE REPORTING 
11.1. Data Collection and Retention. The investigators and staff at the study sites, the PD, PIs,  
Project Reseach Coordinator, and all personnel involved in subject assessment, monitoring, 
analysis, and data management will be blinded to the subject assignment. In order to ensure that 
information that could potentially bias handling of data is not disclosed, the following precautions 
will be practiced: randomization code envelopes will be maintained in fire-proof safes; no access to 
these codes will be permitted to those involved in subject data handling; maintenance of the code 
sealed envelopes by the investigator in a locked cabinet at each study site will be carefully 
monitored; and medications will be packaged in a way that maintains the double blind. 
Study data will be collected and managed in the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool 
hosted at the University of Washington.73 REDCap is a secure, web-based application designed to 
support data capture for research studies, providing: (1) an intuitive interface for validated data 
entry; (2) audit trails for tracking data manipulation and export procedures; (3) automated export 
procedures for seamless data downloads to common statistical packages; and (4) procedures for 
importing data from external sources. REDCap allows users to build and manage online surveys 
and databases quickly and securely. User rights may be customized, and access to specific data 
fields restricted. A separate contact worksheet will be maintained within REDCap that will contain 
subject names, address, phone numbers, and study id for the purpose of contacting subjects 
throughout the study period. This worksheet will be password protected, and access will be limited 


 
 
 
Page 44 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
to only research assistant and coordinator who are responsible for contacting participants 
throughout the course of the study. All other research data will be maintained in a separate 
worksheet, and access to each field limited to only study staff that will be utilizing that specific field 
(e.g. treating psychologists will only have access to treatment progress notes fields). UR and UW 
data will be collected within the same project, however all rights to data access to each individual 
site will be limited to only staff within each site.   
11.2. Site Monitoring. 
11.3. Adverse Experience Reporting (See Appendix M for reporting forms). 
11.3.1. Definition of an adverse event. An adverse event (AE) is any untoward medical 
occurrence in a subject that occurs during the conduct of a clinical study of a pharmaceutical 
product that does not necessarily have a causal relationship to the study medication. This can, 
therefore, be any unfavorable and unintended physical sign, symptom, laboratory parameter, or 
disease entity that develops or worsens in severity during the course of the study, whether or not 
considered related to the study medication. 
Accordingly, an adverse event could include any of the following: 
• 
Inter-current illnesses 
• 
physical injuries 
• 
events possibly related to concomitant medications 
• 
significant worsening (change in nature, severity, or frequency) of the disease under 
study or other preexisting conditions 
• 
events occurring during diagnostic procedures 
• 
a laboratory or diagnostic test abnormality occurring after the start of the study (once 
confirmed by repeat testing) that results in the withdrawal of the subject from the study, 
requires medical treatment or further diagnostic work-up, or is considered by the study 
investigator to be clinically significant. Note: abnormal laboratory determinations at the 
screening visit that preclude a subject from entering the study or receiving study 
medication are not considered adverse events, but will be captured in order to monitor 
data from screen failures. 
11.4. Recording and reporting adverse events. For the purpose of AE recording,  
the study period is defined as that time period beginning when the subject signs consent to 
completion of medical drug taper. All AEs that occur during the study period must be recorded on 
the AE form, regardless of the severity of the event or judged relationship to the study medication. 
For SAEs, the site director, Drs. Dworkin for UR and Turk at the UW, will be notified by the site staff 
within 24 hours of the site’s notification of the event. Within 24 hours of notification of the AE, the 
site will be required to submit the AE information on the AE transmittal form, to overall program 
director, Dr. Turk. If an AE occurs after the study period and is considered by the investigator to be 
possibly related to the study medication or study participation, it must be recorded on the AE 
Transmittal Form and reported immediately. 
At each weekly visit following commencement of treatment subjects will be provided an AE-form 
which asks “Since your last visit, have you experienced any new or worsening symtpoms or medical 
problems? If yes, please specify.” Addtionally, subjects are asked in an identical format if they have 
experienced any new or worsening emotional changes or changes in their ability to concentate or 
remember things. All reported or observed signs and symptoms should be recorded individually, 
except when considered manifestations of a medical condition or disease state.  
The clinical course of each AE that is active at the final visit should be monitored at suitable 


 
 
 
Page 45 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
intervals until resolution or stabilization, a determination of a cause unrelated to the study is made, 
or the subject is referred to the care of a local physician. 
The onset date, stop date, action taken with the study medication, and outcome of each AE will be 
recorded on the AE form. The relationship to study medication, severity, and seriousness of each 
AE as judged by the investigator will be recorded as described below. 
11.4.1. Relationship of an adverse event to study medication. For each AE, the  
relationship to the study medication must be recorded as one of the choices on the following scale: 
DEFINITE 
Causal relationship is certain (i.e., the temporal relationship between 
medication exposure and the AE onset/course is reasonable, there is a 
clinically compatible response to dechallenge, other causes have been 
eliminated, and the event must be definitive pharmacologically or 
phenomenologically, using a satisfactory rechallenge procedure if 
necessary). 
PROBABLY 
High degree of certainty for causal relationship (i.e., the temporal relationship 
between medication exposure and the AE onset/course is reasonable, there 
is a clinically compatible response to dechallenge [rechallenge is not 
required], and other causes have been eliminated or are unlikely). 
POSSIBLY 
Causal relationship is uncertain (i.e., the temporal relationship between 
medication exposure and the AE onset/course is reasonable or unknown, 
dechallenge/rechallenge information is either unknown or equivocal, and 
while other potential causes may or may not exist, a causal relationship to the 
study medication does not appear probable). 
UNLIKELY 
Not reasonably related, although a causal relationship cannot be ruled out 
(i.e., while the temporal relationship between medication exposure and the 
adverse event onset/course does not preclude causality, there is a clear 
alternate cause that is more likely to have caused the AE than the study 
medication). 
UNRELATED 
No possible relationship (i.e., the temporal relationship between medication 
exposure and the AE onset/course is unreasonable or incompatible, or a 
causal relationship to study medication is implausible). 
11.4.2. Severity of an adverse event. The severity of each AE will be recorded as 1 of the choices 
on the following scale: 
MILD  
No limitation of usual activities 
MODERATE 
Some limitation of usual activities 
SEVERE 
Inability to carry out usual activities 
11.4.3. Serious Adverse Events (SAE). 
Definition of an SAE. AEs are classified as either serious or non-serious.  
An SAE is any adverse event occurring at any dose, which results in any of the following outcomes 
or actions: 
• 
death 
• 
a life-threatening AE (i.e., the subject was at immediate risk of death from the event as it 
occurred); does not include an event that, had it occurred in a more severe form, might 
have caused death 
• 
in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization (Hospitalizations 


 
 
 
Page 46 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
scheduled before enrollment for an elective procedure or treatment of a pre-existing 
condition, which has not worsened during participation in the study will not be 
considered an SAE.) 
• 
a persistent or significant disability/incapacity (i.e., a substantial disruption of one’s ability 
to conduct normal life functions) 
• 
a congenital anomaly/birth defect 
• 
an important medical event that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require 
hospitalization, but may jeopardize the subject and may require medical or surgical 
intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed in this definition; any new diagnosis of 
cancer (made after study enrollment) will be considered an important medical event 
An AE that does not meet any of the criteria for seriousness listed above should be regarded as a 
non-serious adverse event. 
Reporting SAEs. All SAEs that occur either during the study period, regardless of relationship to 
the study medication, or after the study period, if considered possibly related to study medication or 
participation, must be immediately reported within 24 hours of the investigator’s knowledge of the 
event or, when this occurs on a weekend or federal holiday, at the latest on the following working 
day. The initial report must be made by telephone to one of the following individuals, with contact 
attempted in this order: 
• 
Laurie Al-Nasr (telephone: 206-221-6851) 
• 
PD: D. Turk, PhD (telephone: 206 616-2626) 
• 
PIs: J P. Robinson, MD, PhD (telephone: 206 998-0125); R. Dworkin, PhD (telephone: 
585-275-8214) 
The site investigator should continue calling until he/she speaks to an individual personally. Do not 
leave a voicemail message, as it is always possible that the person you called is not in the office. 
Within 48 hours of this initial report, the investigator must report to KAI by facsimile with a signed 
Serious AE Transmittal Form completed to the greatest extent possible and a copy of all relevant 
source documents. The site must also ensure that all data has been entered appropriately into the 
Adverse Events form on REDCap for reconciliation. The timely provision of the SAE Transmittal 
Form should not be delayed in the event that information is partial or incomplete. Follow-up 
information received on all SAEs will follow the same procedure and timelines as indicated above 
for the initial report. Address facsimile to:  
The PD or PIs will review the submitted information and SAEs determined to be unexpected will be 
forwarded to the data safety and monitorin board and the FDA as set forth in 21 CFR Part 312. The 
investigator must also ensure that the IEC/IRB is informed of the event in accordance with local IRB 
reporting requirements. 
11.5. Premature withdrawal from the study. Any subject who experiences an AE may be 
withdrawn from the study at any time at the discretion of the investigator. If a subject is withdrawn 
wholly or in part because of an AE, both the AE page and Study Completion/Withdrawal form will be 
completed at that time. The subject will be monitored until the event has resolved or stabilized, 
determination of a cause unrelated to the study is made, or the subject is referred to the care of a 
local physician. The investigator will report a subject’s premature withdrawal from the study (for any 
reason) to the PD within 24 hours (or the next working day) of its occurrence. Additional reports 
must be provided when requested. 
11.6. Medical emergencies. Medical emergencies will be reported to Dr. Robinson (After hours 
calling the paging operator at 206-598-6190 and ask to have Dr. Robinson paged). Equipment, 


 
 
 
Page 47 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
supplies, and properly skilled medical personnel will be accessible for use in an emergency in the 
event of an unexpected AE. Subjects to be included in the study will be carefully selected and the 
study will be conducted in an appropriate manner. Any intentional or unintentional dose of study 
medication taken in excess of that prescribed will be immediately reported to PD.  
11.7. Protocol deviations because of an adverse event. In the event of an AE or  
medical emergency, allowing departures from the protocol will be determined on a case-by-case 
basis. The investigator or other physician in attendance in such an emergency will contact the 
PD/PI as soon as possible to discuss the circumstances of the emergency. The investigator, in 
consultation with the PI, will decide whether the subject should continue in the study. All protocol 
deviations and the reasons for such deviations will be recorded in the study deviations form (See 
Appendix T). 
12. HUMAN SUBJECTS 
12.1. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review and Informed Consent. The study will be  
approved by the IRB of the PI’s institution (UW, UR). The rationale, inclusion and exclusion criteria, 
and procedures will be described in lay terms to potential subjects after they have been referred to 
the study or identified by other means. If the potential subject remains interested in participating, 
written informed consent will be obtained by the investigator or other key study personnel qualified 
to obtain consent. 
12.2. Risks to the Subjects. The study described in this protocol presents greater than minimal  
risk to subjects. This risk involves the potential for side effects and other adverse events from the 
study medications that will be administered to subjects. These medications include generic 
tramadol-IR and acetaminophen, which will be administered to any subjects with unacceptable pain.  
It can be anticipated that some subjects will have unrelieved pain, either because they are in the 
placebo group, because they do not respond to treatment with generic tramadol-IR or the rescue 
analgesic, or because these medications are not efficacious in FM. 
12.3. Subject Confidentiality. The investigator will ensure that the privacy of the subjects,  
including their personal identity and all personal medical information, will be maintained at all times. 
US sites are reminded that, effective April 14, 2003 they may have additional privacy obligations to 
study participants under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). On the 
eCRFs and other documents participant records, subjects will not be identified by their names, but 
by a subject identification number. 
Personal medical information may be reviewed for the purpose of verifying data recorded in the 
CRF. This may be done by the study monitor, properly authorized persons on behalf of the, or 
regulatory authorities. Personal medical information will always be treated as confidential. All 
records will be kept in a locked file cabinet, or in a password protected electronic data capture 
software, REDCAP. All computer entry and networking programs will be done using subject 
identification numbers only. Identifiable clinical information will not be released without written 
permission of the subject, except as required for monitoring by the IRB, the FDA, and the OHRP. 
12.4. Adequacy of Protection Against Risks. Subjects will be routinely and carefully evaluated  
for the presence of side effects and other AEs. It can be anticipated that some subjects will have 
unrelieved pain, but the structured approach to providing rescue analgesia will reduce the likelihood 
that subjects will experience unacceptable acute pain during the placebo-controlled phase of the 
trial. Any subjects who cannot tolerate severe pain that has remained intractable to the blinded 
study medication and treatment with rescue medication will be reminded of their right to exit the trial 
and be referred to a physician with expertise in pain treatment. 
Subjects will be unblinded if required for their safety or if the subject needs emergency surgery and 


 
 
 
Page 48 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
information about all treatment interventions is requested; this is expected to occur only very rarely. 
Only in the event of an emergency that the investigator feels cannot be adequately treated without 
knowing the identity of the study medication can the medication blind be broken for a particular 
subject. With each shipment of drug kits, sealed codes will also be provided to the site 
investigators, and these codes must remain sealed under the responsibility of the investigator. In 
the event that an emergency disclosure of treatment assignment is required, a call will be made to 
inform the the PD, PIs, of such disclosure; the actual treatment assignment, however, will not be 
disclosed to the staff during this phone call.   
12.5. Potential Benefits to Subjects. There are several potential benefits to subjects of  
participating in this study: 
1. Subjects will be evaluated and treated without charge for their FM by healthcare providers    
    who have expertise in FM. 
 
2. All subjects will be treated for unacceptable pain using rescue analgesia, and their pain  
    will be carefully monitored and treated throughout the study.  
12.6. Alternatives to Participation. The alternatives to participation in this study are for subjects  
to be treated by their primary care doctor or from a physician with expertise in FM or pain treatment. 
Treatment might also include the use of various medications with analgesic effects, including the 
generic tramadol IR used in this study, for control of the subject’s pain. 
12.7. Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children. We propose to include both females and  
males with FM in this project. Since women are substantially more likely to seek treatment for FM (8 
to 1) we expect that a similar female/male ratio will be represented in the current study.  
12.8. Inclusion of Minorities. People with FM of all ethnic and racial groups represented in the  
population of King and surrounding counties, Washington and Monroe and surrounding counties, 
New York. Ethnic and racial composition of King County, Washington is approximately 87% White, 
13% racial and ethnic minorities including 7% Asian, 2% Black, 2% American Indian, and 2% 
Hispanic. The ethnic and racial composition of Monroe County, New York is approximately 80% 
White, 15% Black, and the remainder American and Alaskan Indian, Asian, and Native Hawaiian 
and Other Pacific Islanders, with approximately 6% persons of Hispanic or Latino origin.  
Investigative staff at both sites (UW, UR) will make every effort to enroll all patients who meet 
eligibility criteria in the proposed trial, irrespective of race or ethnicity, and the databases have been 
designed to collect all information regarding race and ethnicity according to the NIH guidelines. We 
will monitor the racial and ethnic composition of our sample. If the distribution of subjects recruited 
is substantially different from the general distribution in King County, WA, Monroe County, NY and 
surrounding counties, we will actively recruit an increased number of members of the under-
represented minorities by increasing efforts to recruit in parts of the country with higher percentages 
of minority populations. Special efforts will be devoted to enrolling Black and Latino subjects, and 
the goal will be to have 15% minority participation. Efforts to ensure adequate recruitment of 
minority subjects will include: (1) the PIs and their staffs will closely monitor recruitment of minority 
subjects, develop plans to actively recruit minority subjects through community lay groups and via 
direct contacts with minority organizations in the local areas, and also ensure that efforts to 
increase enrollment emphasize recruitment of minorities; (2) local minority recruitment initiatives will 
include targeted advertising in minority publications and in support of efforts to actively recruit 
minority subjects through community organizations; (3) speaking engagements will be scheduled by 
the PIs and other study staff at minority physician and health care provider groups in which FM and 
the clinical trial will be discussed; (4) materials will be developed and advertising undertaken to 
publicize the trial in local and regional newsletters and newspapers with predominantly minority 
readership; and (5) the resources of the NIH-funded centers on minority recruitment will be used to 


 
 
 
Page 49 of 54 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
augment local efforts and the trial will be publicized on the NIH clinicaltrials.gov website. In addition, 
to ensure that minorities are adequately represented in the study at the UW site, investigative staff 
will recruit patients receiving care at Harborview Medical Center, a facility where ethnic minorities 
make up a substantial proportion of patients.  
Our previous research and current project (AR44724) has demonstrated that we are able to recruit 
targeted populations. We will aggressively attempt to recruit racial-ethnic monitories by (1) creating 
an advisory board of racial and ethnic minorities from the community to provide advice on 
recruitment, (2) advertise the project in media that target minorities, and (3) place information about 
the study in venues that are likely to be seen by minorities (churches, community centers, health 
clinics locate in areas of high concentration of minorities.  
12.9. Study Modification/Discontinuation. The study may be modified or discontinued at  
any time by the IRB, the NIAMS, the OHRP, the FDA, or other government agencies as part of 
their duties to ensure that research subjects are protected. 
13. PUBLICATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 
Publication of the results of this trial will be governed by the policies and procedures developed by 
the three PIs. Any presentation, abstract, or manuscript will be made available for review by the 
NIAMS prior to submission.


 
Page 
50 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 11/08/2011                                              
Version 1.0 
 
 
 
Page 
50 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
REFERENCES 
1a.        Arnold LM, Gendreau RM, Palmer RH, et al. Efficacy and safety of milnacipran 100 
mg/day in patients with fibromyalgia. Results of a ranomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 
trial. Arthritis Rheum 2010;62:2745-2756. 
1b.       Clauw DJ, Mease P, Palmer RH, Gendreau RM, Wang Y. Milnacipran for the treatment 
of fibromyalgia in adults: a 15-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 
multiple-dose clinical trial. Clin Ther 2008;30:1988-2004 
1c.        Mease P, Clauw D, Gendreau RM, et al. The efficacy and safety of milnacipran for 
treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. J Rheumatol 
2009;36:398-409. 
1d.    Geisser ME, Palmer RH, Gendreau RM, et al. A pooled analysis of two randomized, 
double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of milnacipran monotherapy in the treatment of 
fibromyalgia. Pain Practice  2011;11:120-131.  
1. 
Turk DC, Okifuji A. Perception of traumatic onset, compensation status, and physical 
findings: impact on pain severity, emotional distress, and disability in chronic pain patients. J 
Behav Med. 1996; 19(5): 435-53. 
2. 
Turk DC. A patient-oriented perspective. In: Dworkin RH, W.S. B, editors. Psychosocial 
and Psychiatric Aspects of Pain: a handbook for Health Care Providers. Seattle: IASP Press; 
2004. p. 308-9. 
3. 
Turk DC, Okifuji A. A cognitive-behavioral approach to pain management. In: Melzack R, 
Wall P, editors. Handbook of Pain Management. London: Churchill Livingston; 2004. 
4. 
Demitrack MA. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Dilemmas in diagnosis and 
clinical management. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1998; 21(3): 671-92, viii. 
5. 
Hauser W, Thieme K, Turk DC. Guidelines on the management of fibromyalgia 
syndrome - a systematic review. Eur J Pain. 2010; 14(1): 5-10. 
6. 
Otto M, Smits J, Reese H. Combined psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for mood 
and anxiety disorders in adults: review and analysis. Clin Psychol Sci Prac. 2005; 12: 72-86. 
7. 
deMaat S, Dekker J, Schoevers R, deJonghe F. Relative efficacy of psychotherapy and 
pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depression: a meta-analysis. Psychotherapy Res. 2006; 
16: 566-78. 
8. 
Buckelew SP, Conway R, Parker J, Deuser WE, Read J, Witty TE, et al. 
Biofeedback/relaxation training and exercise interventions for fibromyalgia: a prospective trial. 
Arthritis Care Res. 1998; 11(3): 196-209. 
9. 
Cuijpers P, van Straten A, Warmerdam L, Andersson G. Psychotherapy versus the 
combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depression: a meta-
analysis. Depress Anxiety. 2009; 26(3): 279-88. 
10. 
Holroyd KA, O'Donnell FJ, Stensland M, Lipchik GL, Cordingley GE, Carlson BW. 
Management of chronic tension-type headache with tricyclic antidepressant medication, stress 
management therapy, and their combination: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2001; 
285(17): 2208-15. 
11. 
Fors EA, Sexton H, Gotestam KG. The effect of guided imagery and amitriptyline on 
daily fibromyalgia pain: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2002; 36(3): 
179-87. 


 
Page 
51 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 11/08/2011                                              
Version 1.0 
 
 
 
Page 
51 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
12. 
Gowans SE, deHueck A, Voss S, Richardson M. A randomized, controlled trial of 
exercise and education for individuals with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Care Res. 1999; 12(2): 120-8. 
13. 
Isomeri R, Mikkelsson M, Latikka P, Kammen K. Effects of amitriptyline and 
cardiovascular fitness training in patients in pain with primary fibromyalgia. J Musculoskeletal 
Pain. 1993; 1: 253-60. 
14. 
van Koulil S, Effting M, Kraaimaat FW, van Lankveld W, van Helmond T, Cats H, et al. 
Cognitive-behavioural therapies and exercise programmes for patients with fibromyalgia: state 
of the art and future directions. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007; 66(5): 571-81. 
15. 
Sarzi-Puttini P, Buskila D, Carrabba M, Doria A, Atzeni F. Treatment strategy in 
fibromyalgia syndrome: where are we now? Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2008; 37(6): 353-65. 
16. 
Burckhardt C, Goldenberg DL, Crofford L, al. E. Guideline for the Management of Pain in 
Adults and Children with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  APS Clinical Practice Guideline Series. 
Glenview: American Pain Society; 2005. 
17. 
Goldenberg DL, Burckhardt C, Crofford L. Management of fibromyalgia syndrome. 
JAMA. 2004; 292(19): 2388-95. 
18. 
Therapy GAoP. Interdisciplinary guideline on the "Definition, pathophysiology, and 
diagnosis and therapy of fibromyalgia".  2008  [cited; Available from: http://www.uni-
duesseldorf.de/AWMF/II/041-004.htm 
19. 
Kashikar-Zuck S, Flowers SR, Verkamp E, Ting TV, Lynch-Jordan AM, Graham TB, et 
al. Actigraphy-based physical activity monitoring in adolescents with juvenile primary 
fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain. 11(9): 885-93. 
20. 
Ang DC, Chakr R, Mazzuca S, France CR, Steiner J, Stump T. Cognitive-behavioral 
therapy attenuates nociceptive responding in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study. Arthritis 
Care Res (Hoboken). 2010; 62(5): 618-23. 
21. 
Kean WF, Bouchard S, Roderich Gossen E. Women with pain due to osteoarthritis: the 
efficacy and safety of a once-daily formulation of tramadol. Pain Med. 2009; 10(6): 1001-11. 
22. 
Chichasova NV, Igolkina EV, Folomeev M, Repas C, Nasonov EL. Tramadol in the 
treatment of patients with the primary fibromyalgia syndrome. Ter Arkh. 1994; 66(5): 59-61. 
23. 
Biasi G, Manca S, Manganelli S, Marcolongo R. Tramadol in the fibromyalgia syndrome: 
a controlled clinical trial versus placebo. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1998; 18(1): 13-9. 
24. 
Russell IJ, Kamin M, Bennett RM, Schnitzer TJ, Green JA, Katz WA. Efficacy of 
Tramadol in Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia. J Clin Rheumatol. 2000; 6(5): 250-7. 
25. 
Bennett RM, Kamin M, Karim R, Rosenthal N. Tramadol and acetaminophen 
combination tablets in the treatment of fibromyalgia pain: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-
controlled study. Am J Med. 2003; 114(7): 537-45. 
26. 
Grond S, Sablotzki A. Clinical pharmacology of tramadol. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2004; 
43(13): 879-923. 
27. 
Bennett RM, Jones J, Turk DC, Russell IJ, Matallana L. An internet survey of 2,596 
people with fibromyalgia. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007; 8: 27. 
28. 
Jensen MP, Turner JA, Romano JM. Changes after multidisciplinary pain treatment in 
patient pain beliefs and coping are associated with concurrent changes in patient functioning. 
Pain. 2007; 131(1-2): 38-47. 


 
Page 
52 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 11/08/2011                                              
Version 1.0 
 
 
 
Page 
52 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
29. 
Burwinkle T, Robinson JP, Turk DC. The role of physical, demographic, & psychological 
factors in symptom reporting and treatments of fibromyalgia syndrome patients. J Pain. 2005; 
6(Suppl 1): S79. 
30. 
Kosek E, Hansson P. Modulatory influence on somatosensory perception from vibration 
and heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation (HNCS) in fibromyalgia patients and healthy 
subjects. Pain. 1997; 70(1): 41-51. 
31. 
Lautenbacher S, Rollman GB. Possible deficiencies of pain modulation in fibromyalgia. 
Clin J Pain. 1997; 13(3): 189-96. 
32. 
Staud R, Robinson ME, Vierck CJ, Jr., Price DD. Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls 
(DNIC) attenuate temporal summation of second pain in normal males but not in normal females 
or fibromyalgia patients. Pain. 2003; 101(1-2): 167-74. 
33. 
Julien N, Goffaux P, Arsenault P, Marchand S. Widespread pain in fibromyalgia is 
related to a deficit of endogenous pain inhibition. Pain. 2005; 114(1-2): 295-302. 
34. 
Gatchel RJ, Peng YB, Peters ML, Fuchs PN, Turk DC. The biopsychosocial approach to 
chronic pain: scientific advances and future directions. Psychol Bull. 2007; 133(4): 581-624. 
35. 
Turk DC, Okifuji A, Starz TW, Sinclair JD. Effects of type of symptom onset on 
psychological distress and disability in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Pain. 1996; 68(2-3): 
423-30. 
36. 
le Fort SM, Hannah TW. Return to work following an aquafitness and muscle 
strengthening program for the low back injured. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994; 75: 1247-55. 
37. 
Spinhoven P, Linssen AC. Behavioral treatment of chronic low back pain. I. Relation of 
coping strategy use to outcome. Pain. 1991; 45(1): 29-34. 
38. 
McCracken LM, Zayfert C, Gross RT. The Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale: development 
and validation of a scale to measure fear of pain. Pain. 1992; 50(1): 67-73. 
39. 
Sullivan MJ, Stanish WD. Psychologically based occupational rehabilitation: the Pain-
Disability Prevention Program. Clin J Pain. 2003; 19(2): 97-104. 
40. 
Wessels T, van Tulder M, Sigl T, Ewert T, Limm H, Stucki G. What predicts outcome in 
non-operative treatments of chronic low back pain? A systematic review. Eur Spine J. 2006; 
15(11): 1633-44. 
41. 
Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB, Bennett RM, Bombardier C, Goldenberg DL, et al. The 
American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. Report 
of the Multicenter Criteria Committee. Arthritis Rheum. 1990; 33(2): 160-72. 
42. 
Wolfe F, Hauser W, Hassett AL, Katz RS, Walitt BT. The development of fibromyalgia--I: 
examination of rates and predictors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pain. 2011; 
152(2): 291-9. 
43. 
Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, Goldenberg DL, Katz RS, Mease P, et al. The 
American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and 
measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2010; 62(5): 600-10. 
44. 
Wolfe F. New American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia: a twenty-year 
journey. Arthritis Care Res. 2010; 62(5): 583-4. 
45. 
Turk DC, Meichenbaum D, Genest M. Pain and Behavioral Medicine: A Cognitive-
Behavioral Perspective. New York: Guildford Press; 1983. 


 
Page 
53 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 11/08/2011                                              
Version 1.0 
 
 
 
Page 
53 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
46. 
Turk DC, Okifuji A, Sinclair JD, Starz TW. Interdisciplinary treatment for fibromyalgia 
syndrome: clinical and statistical significance. Arthritis Care Res. 1998; 11(3): 186-95. 
47. 
Swanson KS, Wilson HD, Robinson JP, Turk DC. The effectiveness of three 
psychological therapies in the rehabilitation of fibromyalgia patients: a randomized conrolled 
trial. J Pain. 2008; 9((suppl 2)): 17. 
48. 
Fordyce WE. Behavioral methods for chronic pain and illness. St. Louis: Mosby; 1976. 
49. 
Nicassio P, Greenberg MA. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and 
psychoeducational interventions in arthritis. In: Weisman MH, al. E, editors. Treatment of 
Rheumatic Diseases. 2nd ed. Orlando: William Saunders; 2001. p. 147-61. 
50. 
Sackett DL, Haynes RB. Compliance with Therapeautic Regimens. Baltimore: Johns 
Hopkins University Press; 1976. 
51. 
Turk DC, Winter F. The Pain Survival Guide: How to Reclaim Your Life. Washington 
D.C.: APA Press; 2006. 
52. 
Turk DC, Robinson JP. Predictors of self-reported activity level and activity limitations in 
fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain. 2003; 4(2 (Suppl 1)): 16. 
53. 
Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Farrar JT, Haythornthwaite JA, Jensen MP, Katz NP, et al. Core 
outcome measures for chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain. 2005; 
113(1-2): 9-19. 
54. 
Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Revicki DA, Harding G, Coyne KS, Peirce-Sandner S, et al. 
Development and initial validation of an expanded and revised version of the Short-form McGill 
Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2). Pain. 2009; 144(1-2): 35-42. 
55. 
Melzack R. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Pain. 1987; 30(2): 191-7. 
56. 
Zigmond AS, Snaith RP. The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr 
Scand. 1983; 67(6): 361-70. 
57. 
Belza BL, Henke CJ, Yelin EH, Epstein WV, Gilliss CL. Correlates of fatigue in older 
adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Nurs Res. 1993; 42(2): 93-9. 
58. 
Guy W. ECDEU assessment manual for psychopharmacology. (DHEW Publication No. 
ADM 76338) ed. Washington D.C.: Goverment Printing Office; 1976. 
59. 
Borkovec T, Nau SD. Cradibility of analogue therapy rationales. J Behav Ther Exp 
Psychiat. 1972; 3: 257-60. 
60. 
Okifuji A, Turk DC, Sinclair JD, Starz TW, Marcus DA. A standardized manual tender 
point survey. I. Development and determination of a threshold point for the identification of 
positive tender points in fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol. 1997; 24(2): 377-83. 
61. 
Webster JB, Kripke DF, Messin S, Mullaney DJ, Wyborney G. An activity-based sleep 
monitor system for ambulatory use. Sleep. 1982; 5(4): 389-99. 
62. 
Cole RJ, Kripke DF, Messin S, al. e. Progress in automatic sleep waking scoring by wrist 
actigraph. Sleep Res. 1998; 17: 33. 
63. 
Cole RJ, Kripke DF, Gruen W, al. E. An activity-based sleep monitor system for 
ambulatory use. Sleep. 1992; 5: 389-99. 
64. 
Onen SH, Onen F, Courpron P, Dubray C. How pain and analgesics disturb sleep. Clin J 
Pain. 2005; 21(5): 422-31. 
65. 
Stanley N. Actigraphy in human psychopharmacology: a review. Hum Psychopharmacol. 
2003; 18(1): 39-49. 


 
Page 
54 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 11/08/2011                                              
Version 1.0 
 
 
 
Page 
54 
of 
54
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Study: COMBAT-FM 
Clinical Study Protocol 
Version Date: 12/16/2014                                              
Version 1.0 
66. 
Landau R, Wilson HD, Flint L, Kraft J, Carvalho B, Turk DC. Stability of diffuse noxious 
inhibitory controls in women: within mesntrual cycle fluctuations and across menstrual cycle 
consistency. J Pain. 2010; 11: S3 [109]. 
67. 
Granot M, Granovsky Y, Sprecher E, Nir RR, Yarnitsky D. Contact heat-evoked temporal 
summation: tonic versus repetitive-phasic stimulation. Pain. 2006; 122(3): 295-305. 
68. 
Granot M, Weissman-Fogel I, Crispel Y, Pud D, Granovsky Y, Sprecher E, et al. 
Determinants of endogenous analgesia magnitude in a diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) 
paradigm: do conditioning stimulus painfulness, gender and personality variables matter? Pain. 
2008; 136(1-2): 142-9. 
69. 
Steedman SM, Middaugh SJ, Kee WG, Carson DS, Harden RN, Miller MC. Chronic pain 
medications: equivalence levels and method of quantifying drug usage. . Clin J Pain. 1992; 8: 
204-14. 
70. 
Bennett RM, Friend R, Jones KD, Ward R, Han BK, Ross RL. The Revised Fibromyalgia 
Impact Questionnaire (FIQR): validation and psychometric properties. Arthritis Res Ther. 2009; 
11(4): R120. 
71. 
Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd ed: Lawrence 
Erlbaum Associates; 1988. 
72. 
Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS. Using Multivariate Statistics. 5th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon; 
2007. 
73. 
Harris PA, Taylor R, Thielke R, Payne J, Gonzalez N, Conde JG. Research electronic 
data capture (REDCap)--a metadata-driven methodology and workflow process for providing 
translational research informatics support. J Biomed Inform. 2009; 42(2): 377-81.