Combining brain stimulation and yoga for knee arthritis pain relief

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.