Mobile EEG headband and app to manage chronic low back pain
Official title: Promoting Effective Self-Management of Chronic Pain with mHealth Neurofeedback
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11310005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see whether a portable EEG headband and smartphone app help adults with chronic low back pain reduce their pain when used at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR019788-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic low back pain who can use a wearable headset and smartphone and commit to regular 10-minute sessions are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with pain unrelated to chronic low back conditions, those with only acute short-term pain, or those unable to use the device or smartphone are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
You will be randomly assigned to either a real neurofeedback app or a placebo app and given a portable EEG headset and mobile device. You will be asked to complete 10-minute sessions at least four days per week for 12 weeks. The study is double-blind so neither you nor study staff will know which condition you receive. The team will compare pain intensity and how much pain interferes with daily life before and after the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give people with chronic low back pain an easy at-home, non-drug tool to lower pain and improve daily function.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier pilot work from the team found that mobile neurofeedback users reported lower pain intensity and interference after three months, but larger randomized trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbogen, Eric B. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Elbogen, Eric B.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.