Thalamocortical brain activity and noninvasive stimulation in chronic and pressure pain
Official title: Spatiotemporal Thalamocortical Alterations Underlie Experimental and Chronic Pain - Phase II
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06968689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 29, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06968689 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Circadian Variation of Anti-Factor Xa in Trauma Patients on LMWH
This study tests whether anti-Factor Xa levels show a daily rhythm in hospitalized trauma patients receiving LMWH for VTE prevention.
-
PrioritiesAI: A chat tool to help older adults with hernia decide what matters most for surgery
This study tests an AI-powered chat assistant to help people with hernia clearly express and communicate their health goals for elective surgery.
-
Family-based program to reduce risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in youth with family history
This study tests a brief family-based psychosocial program to see if it lowers persistent psychotic-like experiences in kids and young adults with a family history of SSD and different brain risk patterns.
-
EUS-Guided RFA for Pancreatic Lesions: Safety and Outcomes
This study tests whether using endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is safe and helps patients with pancreatic lesions.
-
Skin-to-skin care with the Skincubator for preterm infants
This study tests whether using the Skincubator during skin-to-skin care is safe and feasible for preterm babies and their parents in the NICU.
-
See if iCHAMPSS 2.0 helps schools spread effective sexual health programs
This study tests whether iCHAMPSS 2.0 helps Texas schools implement an evidence-based sexual health program more effectively for teachers, administrators, and health staff.
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.