Neurofeedback treatment for pain in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Neurofeedback for Nociplastic Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Run by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde · NCT06240299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether neurofeedback can help people with rheumatoid arthritis manage their ongoing pain and improve their sleep and energy levels.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 29, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 29, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06240299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who experience chronic widespread pain and have stable disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major confounding neurological diseases or those actively managed by a pain team may 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 pilot study investigates the effects of neurofeedback on nociplastic pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where pain persists despite inflammation treatment. Participants will undergo a 1-week diary assessment followed by 10 neurofeedback sessions over 11-13 weeks, focusing on modulating brain activity to alleviate pain and related symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances. The intervention involves monitoring EEG activity and providing real-time feedback to help participants adjust their brain wave patterns. The study aims to explore a novel, noninvasive approach to managing chronic pain in this patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective treatment option for managing chronic pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using neurofeedback for treating fibromyalgia, suggesting potential for similar outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fulfilment of the ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) * Fulfilment of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for chronic widespread pain * Stable disease (swollen joint count ≤1 and CRP ≤10) * Has normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing abilities * Right-handed (to reduce baseline motor response test heterogeneity) * Pain intensity equal or larger than 4 on the Visual Numerical Scale (0 no pain, 10, max pain imaginable) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand the task. * Unable to provide a written informed consent. * Unable to understand English. * Major confounding neurological diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease) * Medical or psychiatric conditions that in the judgment of study personnel would preclude participation in the study (psychosis, suicidal ideation etc) * Under active management of pain team (changing medications, other non pharmacological pain treatment) * Involved in other interventional experimental studies
Where it's running
-
Clinical Research Facility (CRF), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neil Basu, MD, PhD — NHS Greater Galsgow and Clyde
- Study coordinator: Aleksandra Vuckovic, PhD
- Email: aleksandra.vuckovic@glasgow.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 7906441955
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.