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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 90

Mobile neurofeedback treatment for chronic low back pain

Official title: Effective Self-Management of Chronic Pain With mHealth Neurofeedback

Run by Duke University · NCT05669027 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a mobile app that helps train the brain to relax can reduce chronic low back pain for people who suffer from it.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorDuke University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 2, 2023
Main results expectedMay 1, 2027
Study endsMay 1, 2027
Registry record updatedDecember 17, 2025
Trial IDNCT05669027 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced chronic low back pain for more than three months and report pain on at least half of the days over the past six months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of seizures, those planning pain-related surgery, or individuals with implanted medical devices that may interfere with EEG will not benefit from this study.

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 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile neurofeedback intervention for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Participants will engage in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, using a mobile app and EEG headset to train their brains to achieve a relaxed state. Over a period of 12 weeks, they will complete 10-minute sessions at least four times a week, while their pain levels and emotional states will be monitored. The study will assess outcomes through interviews and questionnaires at multiple time points throughout the trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neurofeedback for pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although this specific application is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Responding greater than 3 months to "How long has low back pain been an ongoing problem for you?"
2. Responding 'at least half the days' to "How often has low back pain been an ongoing problem for you over the past 6 months?"

Investigators will follow recommendations to items and responses provided by the NIH Task Force on Research Standards for Chronic Low Back Pain, which specifically: "recommended 2 questions to achieve the definition of chronic low back pain: (1) How long has back pain been an ongoing problem for you? (2) How often has low back pain been an ongoing problem for you over the past 6 months? A response of greater than 3 months to question 1 and a response of 'at least half the days in the past 6 months' to question 2 would define chronic lower back pain."

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of seizures.
2. Planning pain-related surgery in the next 9 months.
3. Individuals with implanted medical devices that could experience interference during EEG and/or ECG, such as a spinal cord stimulator or pacemaker.
4. Lower back pain is associated with compensation or litigation issues.
5. Rating of past week pain intensity\<4 on 0-10 point scale.
6. Rating of past week pain interference\<4 on 0-10 point scale.

Where it's running

  • Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry
    Durham, North Carolina, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Eric Elbogen, Ph.D. — Duke - Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Janequia Evans
  • Email: DBHTL@duke.edu
  • Phone: 919-681-1613

Similar studies

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

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.
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Chronic Low-back Pain 131Duke University 2174
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.