Transcranial stimulation combined with physiotherapy for chronic low back pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with an active physiotherapy program on patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will undergo clinical assessments and receive either active or sham tDCS during nine physiotherapy sessions over three weeks. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active tDCS in improving pain, fear of movement, psycho-emotional state, and functional connectivity of the brain. By targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the study seeks to enhance understanding of how tDCS can influence pain management in this patient population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* ability to give informed consent,
* ability to follow protocol instructions,
* diagnosis of Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain ≥12 weeks,
* low back pain with or without radiation to the knee,
* average pain of the previous week ≥ 3 on the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale).
* have sufficient cognitive ability to fill in the various questionnaires (Level B2 French),

Exclusion Criteria:

* herniectomy within the last 6 months,
* lumbar spinal surgery with material (e.g. prosthesis, spondylodesis),
* sensory or motor deficit of a lower limb,
* radiant pain in the lower limb beyond the knee,
* neuropathic pain (according to the dn4 questionnaire),
* diagnosis of an inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy),
* diagnosis of a chronic generalized pain syndromee of fibromyalgia,
* pregnancy,
* presence of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders,
* have epilepsy or a recent or severe head injury,
* metal implant in the skull (excluding fillings),
* presence of a pacemaker,
* unhealed wound or skin disease on the skull (electrode contact area)

Where it's running

• University Hospitals Geneva
  Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stéphane Armand, Pr — University Hospital, Geneva
• Study coordinator: Stéphane Armand, Pr
• Email: stephane.armand@hcuge.ch
• Phone: +41 22 372 78 23

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.