Using light therapy to treat pain in Parkinson's disease patients

Transcranial Photobiomodulation as a Therapy for Patients With Parkinson's Disease: Relationship Between Pain and Brain Functional Connectivity

Not applicable Interventional University of Sao Paulo · NCT05959772

This study is testing if light therapy can help reduce pain in people with Parkinson's disease who have more pain when their medication isn't working.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo Academic / other
Locations2 sites (São Paulo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05959772 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation on patients with Parkinson's disease who experience increased pain when off levodopa. It aims to assess pain intensity and cognitive motor behavior before and after treatment using various scales and tests, including the Visual Analog Scale and the Timed Up Go test. Additionally, the study will analyze brain connectivity related to pain using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The goal is to improve pain management in Parkinson's patients through this innovative therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with Parkinson's disease experiencing pain who can walk independently and understand simple commands.

Not a fit: Patients who are wheelchair users, have severe postural instability, or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using photobiomodulation for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Hoehn \& Yahr 3
* Pain from Parkinson's disease
* Walk independently
* Ability to understand simple command

Exclusion Criteria:

* Wheelchair users
* Severe postural instability
* Severe cognitive impairment
* Contraindications for MRI, such as dyskinesia or deep brain stimulation

Where this trial is running

São Paulo 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 Parkinson DiseasePainPhotobiomodulationrsfRMI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.