Transcranial direct current stimulation for shoulder pain relief
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Versus Sham in Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a brain stimulation technique can help people aged 18 to 65 with chronic shoulder pain feel better and improve their movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Natal, RN) |
| Trial ID | NCT06229925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on individuals suffering from subacromial pain syndrome. Participants aged 18 to 65 with chronic shoulder pain will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham stimulation. The study aims to assess changes in pain levels, muscle strength, range of motion, and overall quality of life. Ethical guidelines are strictly followed, and informed consent will be obtained from all participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-65 with unilateral shoulder pain lasting over three months and a pain level of at least 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery, significant neurological or psychiatric diseases, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and improve function for patients with subacromial pain syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in pain management is gaining interest, this specific application in subacromial pain syndrome is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral pain in one shoulder * Pain level ≥ 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale (END), at rest, for at least 3 months * No previous treatment with tDCS * Present graded disability on the DASH questionnaire (\> 15 points) * At least three positive tests, among the five indicated below: Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, Patte or painful abduction arch. Exclusion Criteria: * Indication for surgical repair and/or history of shoulder surgery * Shoulder fracture and/or dislocation * Partial or total rupture of one of the rotator cuff tendons and/or the long head of the biceps * Fibromyalgia * History of epilepsy * Panic syndrome * Implantable devices in the skull * Significant neurological or psychiatric diseases * Severe cardiopulmonary, renal and hepatic diseases * Current pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Natal, RN
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) — Natal, Rn, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vinícius Dantas, Esp — Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Study coordinator: Jamilson S Brasileiro, PhD
- Email: brasileiro@ufrnet.br
- Phone: +55 84 3342-2008
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.