Exploring the effects of cervical and thoracic neuromodulation on pain processing
Investigating the Effects of the Neuromodulation of the Cervical and the Low-thoracic Spinal Cord on Nociceptive Processing in Healthy Volunteers - an Randomized, Sham-controlled, Double-blinded Study
NA · Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06367777
This study is testing if a new type of electrical stimulation on the neck and upper back can change how healthy people feel pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université Catholique de Louvain (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels) |
| Trial ID | NCT06367777 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) at the cervical and low-thoracic levels affects nociceptive processing in healthy volunteers. It employs a double-blinded, sham-controlled, cross-over design, where participants will experience different stimulation conditions across three sessions. The goal is to determine if cervical tsDCS can influence pain processing similarly to thoracic tsDCS, which has been previously studied. Each session will be separated by at least one week to ensure accurate results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy young adults without any known medical conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, or those using certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-invasive treatments for managing nociceptive pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that thoracic tsDCS can influence pain processing, but the effects of cervical tsDCS are less well established, making this a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy young adults Exclusion Criteria: * Known medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, neuropathy, psychiatric disorders, seizure, migraine, pacemaker or other implanted medical devices...) * Use of any medication (except contraception)
Where this trial is running
Brussels
- UCLouvain — Brussels, Belgium (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: André Mouraux, MD, PhD — Université Catholique de Louvain
- Study coordinator: André Mouraux, MD, PhD
- Email: andre.mouraux@uclouvain.be
- Phone: +3227645361
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.
Conditions: Nociceptive Pain, tsDCS, non-invasive neuromodulation, healthy volunteers