Combining brain stimulation and yoga for knee arthritis pain relief
Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Yoga for Improved Pain Management for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot and Feasibility Trial
This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with yoga can help people with knee arthritis feel less pain and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06228573 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates a novel approach to managing knee osteoarthritis pain by combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with yoga. The researchers aim to modify neural pathways associated with pain through non-invasive brain stimulation while promoting overall well-being with yoga. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real tDCS plus yoga or a placebo tDCS plus yoga, allowing for a comparison of the effectiveness of this combined intervention. The goal is to improve pain management and quality of life for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 45 and older with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis or movement-related joint pain.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic inflammatory arthritis, recent knee injections, or contraindications to tDCS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more effective alternative to traditional pain management methods for knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel and has not been previously tested in combination for chronic pain management in knee osteoarthritis.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * community dwelling adults from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Hamilton and London, Ontario fulfilling the NICE criteria for KOA * ≥45 years of age * Diagnosis of Knee osteoarthritis OR * Having movement-related joint pain with either no morning knee stiffness or stiffness of 30 minutes or less AND * Experiencing an average pain intensity of ≥3 /10 in the past month Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic inflammatory arthritis. * Any knee injection in the past 3 months. * Inability to independently get up and down from the floor. * Lower limb trauma or surgery within the last 6 months. * Current participation in another OA clinical trial. * Use of mobility aids. * Currently receiving care for KOA pain (e.g., physiotherapy). * Planned absences exceeding 1 week. * Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) such as neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions. * History of brain surgery or tumor. * Metallic implants. * Epilepsy or history of substance abuse or dependence. * Cochlear or ocular implant. * Presence of a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator. * Eczema on the scalp.
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of Western Ontario — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Université de Sherbrooke — Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Carlesso, PhD — McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Lisa Carlesso, PhD
- Email: carlesl@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 2896805640
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.