Effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on Pain and Cognition in Older Adults

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 impact of accelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) on pain relief and cognitive function in older adults suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants will receive a series of iTBS sessions over 14 days, and their brain activity will be monitored using MRI scans to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms involved. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of iTBS in alleviating pain and enhancing cognitive abilities in this demographic.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* have normal cognitive function (Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 26)
* be right-handed
* be able to speak Cantonese
* chronic nonspecific low back pain, or having both chronic nonspecific low back pain and chronic knee pain that has lasted for at least 3 months
* an average pain intensity of ≥ 5 out of 10 on an 11-point numerical rating scale in the last 7 days, where 0 means "no pain" and 10 means "worst pain imaginable"
* having pain at least half of the days in the past 4 weeks.
* have at least 6 years of formal education and know how to read and write Chinese
* agree to sign an informed consent and complete the experiment tests
* be able to communicate via email or text message, as several study measures will be collected electronically

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to ambulate without assistance from another person (canes or walkers will be allowed);
* having specific causes of chronic nonspecific low back pain, or having both chronic nonspecific low back pain and chronic knee pain (e.g., spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, recent vertebral fracture, spinal infection);
* having other concurrent musculoskeletal conditions at other body parts (e.g., fibromyalgia, or neck pain)
* self-reported history of lumbar or lower extremity surgery
* self-reported history of neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g., stroke, brain surgery, head trauma; schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder, stroke) or self-reported cancer history
* self-reported specific inflammatory disorder: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatica, scleroderma, lupus, or polymyositis
* unexplained, unintended weight loss of 20 lbs or more in the past year
* cauda equina syndrome
* uncorrected visual deficit
* drug or alcohol addiction
* taken alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines medicines 24 hours before the experiment
* claustrophobia
* contraindications for undergoing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination based on the MRI safety screening form of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Where it's running

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Arnold Dr WONG — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Study coordinator: Fan Dr. Huang
• Email: fan2023.huang@connect.polyu.hk
• Phone: +852 5303 7752

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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.