Combining brain stimulation with exercise for chronic low back 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 clinical trial investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with aerobic exercise on patients suffering from non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real tDCS or sham tDCS alongside aerobic exercise, with their pain intensity, disability, and quality of life being assessed through questionnaires and various scales. The study aims to determine the efficacy of this combined treatment approach over short, medium, and long-term periods.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of non-specific Low Back Pain for at least 3 months based on careful radiological evaluation and clinical diagnosis by a physician.
* Aged from 18 till 65 years old.
* Scoring higher than 20mm on the 100 mm VAS scale
* Scoring higher than 4 on the Rolland-Morris scale

Exclusion Criteria:

Any subject presenting at least one of the following exclusion criteria will be excluded from the study:

* Vertebral fractures, osteoporosis
* Infections
* Lumbar surgical, herniated disc or nerve root compression
* Rheumatologic diseases
* People with central nervous system alterations
* Structured deformities of the spine (scoliosis)
* Oncology patients in active treatment or within 5 years after the end of the treatment
* Fibromyalgia
* Women who are pregnant or who may be pregnant
* Contraindications to tDCS (epilepsy, cranial implanted devices, neurological o psychiatric disorders, sever cardiopulmonary, renal or hepatic disorders)
* Being under physiotherapeutic or osteopathic treatment during the study period
* Absolute contraindications to aerobic exercise (acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, uncontrolled arrhythmia, heart failure, acute pulmonary embolism, myocarditis or acute pericarditis)
* People who need walking assistance (cane, other person to assist)
* Patients who practise regular physical activity defined as leisure-time physical activity for 30 minutes, three or more times per week
* People unable to give informed consent, or unable to complete the selected questionnaires.

Where it's running

• Eurpean University of Madrid
  Villaviciosa De Odón, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón
  Alcorcón, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marina Castel Sánchez, PhD — European University of Madrid.Department of Physiotherapy, Chiropody and Dance
• Study coordinator: Marina Castel- Sánchez, PhD
• Email: marina.castel@universidadeuropea.es
• Phone: 0034-679448994

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.