Using brain stimulation to reduce pain in older workers

Observation et Analyse Des Effets de la Stimulation transcrânienne à Courant Continu en Milieu Clinique Pour Soulager la Douleur Chronique Chez Les Travailleurs Vieillissants

Not applicable Interventional Université de Sherbrooke · NCT05370833

This study tests if a new brain stimulation treatment can help older workers with chronic pain feel better and stay in their jobs longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages56 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05370833 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on chronic pain and work retention among older workers. It compares a traditional treatment protocol of 5 sessions with an enhanced protocol of 11 sessions to determine which is more effective. Chronic pain is a significant barrier to employment for older adults, and this research aims to optimize tDCS treatment to improve their quality of life and ability to remain in the workforce. The study is conducted in clinical settings in Quebec, Canada.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals over 55 years old who experience chronic pain that interferes with their work tasks.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to tDCS, such as epilepsy or metallic implants in the head, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce chronic pain in older workers, enhancing their ability to stay employed.

How similar studies have performed: While tDCS has shown promise in reducing pain in seniors, this specific approach focusing on work retention is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* To be more than 55 years old
* To have chronic pain
* To have employment relationship
* To have pain that interferes with work tasks

Exclusion Criteria:

- tDCS contraindications (epilepsy, metallic implant in the head, pacemaker, cochlear implant)

Where this trial is running

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic PainAgingtranscranial direct current stimulationphysical therapywork retention
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.