Thalamocortical brain activity and noninvasive stimulation in chronic and pressure pain
Spatiotemporal Thalamocortical Alterations Underlie Experimental and Chronic Pain - Phase II
This research tests whether noninvasive brain stimulation (tACS or tRNS), measured with EEG and fMRI during tonic pressure pain, can change thalamocortical activity and alter pressure pain ratings in people with pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06968689 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The protocol combines EEG and fMRI to measure thalamocortical connectivity and alpha-band activity while participants experience tonic pressure pain. Participants receive sessions of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and sham stimulation while subjective pressure pain ratings are recorded. Neurophysiological signals across conditions will be compared to determine how each stimulation type modifies thalamocortical patterns and alpha activity. Results aim to link specific brain rhythms to pressure pain and the immediate neuromodulatory effects of the stimulation techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults who can pass MRI and EEG screening, are fluent in English, and do not have major medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions or contraindications such as metal implants, pregnancy, or recent head trauma are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant, have MRI contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, metal implants, severe claustrophobia), active substance abuse, severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, or who cannot tolerate lying still in a scanner are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify brain rhythms to target with noninvasive stimulation and point toward new methods to reduce pressure-related pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies using tACS or tRNS to modulate brain rhythms and pain have produced mixed but promising results, with larger confirmatory trials still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet the MRI / EEG screening criteria * Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: * Current or history of major medical, neurological, or psychiatric illness based on self-report * History of cardiac, respiratory, or nervous system disease that, in the investigator's judgment, precludes participation in the study because of a heightened potential for adverse outcome (for example: asthma or claustrophobia) * History of head trauma * Pregnant or lactating * Presence of any contraindications to MRI scanning (for example: cardiac pacemaker, metal implants, claustrophobia, pregnancy, cannot lie still in fMRI scanner) * Conditions making study participation difficult (e.g., paralysis, psychoses, or other severe psychological problems as per the judgment of a study investigator during Session 1) * Active substance abuse disorders (based on subject self-report)
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wen Li, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Wen Li, PhD
- Email: Wen.Li.1@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 486-2700
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.