Using brain stimulation and laterality training to treat chronic neck pain
Effects of Transcranial Stimulation by Direct Current Associated With Laterality Trainnning in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
This study is testing whether a combination of brain stimulation and training exercises can help people with chronic neck pain feel better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Sao Paulo General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo) |
| Trial ID | NCT06204627 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) combined with visual and motor stimuli related to laterality in patients suffering from chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, receiving either active or sham TDCS along with different recognition stimuli over eight sessions. The study aims to assess the impact of this combined approach on pain relief and functional improvement. Evaluations will include various pain and health assessments before, during, and after the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with chronic neck pain lasting more than three months and a pain intensity greater than 40/100 on the visual analog scale.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as seizures, severe spinal diseases, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic neck pain and improve quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of TDCS in pain management is being explored, this specific combination with laterality training is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * participants over 18 years old; * pain in the cervical region, lasting more than three months and with intensity greater than 40/100 on the visual analog scale Exclusion Criteria: * history of seizures or epilepsy, * history of head trauma, * intracranial hypertension, * intracranial metal clip, * pregnant or breastfeeding women, * skin lesions at the current application site; * changes in sensitivity and allergy in the electrode positioning region. * intermittent pain; * Cancer; * cardiac pacemaker; * severe spinal diseases, such as recent fractures or ankylosing spondylitis; * serious cardiorespiratory diseases; * participants who refuse to sign the Free and Informed Consent Form.
Where this trial is running
São Paulo
- Universidade de São Paulo — São Paulo, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Clarice Tanaka
- Email: cltanaka@usp.br
- Phone: 551126616867
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.