Using mobile technology to help manage chronic pain through neurofeedback.
Official title: Promoting Effective Self-Management of Chronic Pain with mHealth Neurofeedback
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11060947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using a mobile app and a special headset can help people with chronic low back pain learn to relax their brains and feel less pain, and it’s for adults who want to try a new way to manage their discomfort.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR019788-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older who suffer from chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have access to mobile technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mobile health technology can assist patients in managing chronic pain, particularly chronic low back pain, through a method called neurofeedback. Participants will use a portable EEG headset and a mobile application to engage in neurofeedback sessions at home, which involves training their brain to achieve states of relaxation. The study will compare the effects of this mobile neurofeedback against a placebo control in a double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 150 adults over a 12-week period. The goal is to determine if this approach can effectively reduce pain intensity and improve daily functioning for those suffering from chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective way for patients to manage chronic pain without relying on medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with neurofeedback approaches for pain management, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
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.