Using brain stimulation and exercise to manage fibromyalgia pain
Official title: Optimized tDCS for fibromyalgia: targeting the endogenous pain control system
Funded at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · NIH-10448252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with fibromyalgia feel less pain by using a gentle brain stimulation technique along with aerobic exercise, hoping to improve their overall comfort and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $407,946 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT009491-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10448252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia who experience chronic pain and are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have fibromyalgia or those with contraindications to aerobic exercise or brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating fibromyalgia pain by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with aerobic exercise. The study aims to target specific neural networks involved in the body's natural pain control system, which may be impaired in fibromyalgia patients. By enhancing the effects of tDCS through aerobic activity, the researchers hope to improve pain relief and overall quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition. Participants will undergo non-invasive brain stimulation alongside a structured exercise program to assess the combined impact on pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for fibromyalgia patients, potentially reducing their pain and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in chronic pain management, indicating that this combined approach may build on existing knowledge and techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fregni, Felipe — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fregni, Felipe
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noninvasive deep brain stimulation for fibromyalgia relief
A noninvasive ultrasound approach aims to directly modulate deep brain pain circuits to help people with fibromyalgia who don’t respond well to current treatments.
-
LARKSPUR-mHealth: a remote positive-emotion program for fibromyalgia
A nationwide, fully online program tests whether brief daily skills to boost positive emotions can ease pain and improve daily life for adults with fibromyalgia.
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Biomarker-Guided Fibromyalgia Treatment with Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
A study to see if non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can help people with fibromyalgia by balancing gut health and identifying biomarkers to guide treatment.
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Auricular nerve stimulation for fibromyalgia in veterans
Aurasicular nerve stimulation therapy is being tested in veterans with fibromyalgia to see if it reduces pain and improves function compared to a sham treatment.
-
Ear nerve stimulation for veterans with fibromyalgia
This tests whether a small electrical device placed on the ear can reduce pain and improve daily function for veterans with fibromyalgia.
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Relationships among mood, inflammation, and pain in Veterans with fibromyalgia
This project explores how feelings, brain inflammation, and pain relate in Veterans living with fibromyalgia and how exercise might help.
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.