Monitoring pain levels using electrodermal activity

Detection of Electrodermal Activity in Pain (DEEP)

Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre · NCT06677593

This study is testing if a device that measures skin activity can help understand pain levels in cancer and COPD patients by comparing their reports of pain with the device's readings.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment37 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCopenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre (other)
Locations1 site (Hvidovre)
Trial IDNCT06677593 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between self-reported pain levels and electrodermal activity in patients suffering from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 37 patients will wear a monitoring device for up to one week, during which they will report their pain intensity multiple times a day. The study will utilize discriminant analysis to differentiate between varying levels of pain intensity, generating hypotheses for future research phases. The ultimate goal is to develop an algorithm that can detect pain and provide timely alerts for patients experiencing persistent pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Danish adults over 18 years old with persistent or recurrent pain due to cancer or COPD.

Not a fit: Patients with current psychological disorders, impaired cognitive function, or substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and timely interventions for patients with life-threatening illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is exploratory, similar studies have shown promise in using electrodermal activity for pain detection, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Danish
* Age over 18
* Persistent or recurrent pain (longer than three months)
* Cancer: DC01-DC9 or Pulmonary Diseases:DJ40-DJ47

Exclusion Criteria:

* A current diagnosis with psychological/ psychiatric disorders
* Impaired cognitive function
* Substance abuse
* A skin condition on the to-be-tested body parts
* PHQ-9 reveals suicidal ideation

Where this trial is running

Hvidovre

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD, Pain, pain, electrodermal activity, pain detection, pain prediction, galvanic skin response

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.