Whole-body light therapy for chronic pain relief
Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy for Chronic Pain: a Feasibility Trial
This study is testing whether whole-body light therapy can help people with chronic pain feel better without the side effects of traditional medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT05069363 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of whole-body photobiomodulation therapy as a non-invasive treatment for individuals suffering from chronic pain. The approach aims to provide an alternative to traditional medication-based treatments, which often come with side effects and limited efficacy. Participants will undergo a treatment schedule over six weeks, focusing on various chronic pain conditions. The study seeks to determine if this light therapy can improve pain management and overall quality of life for patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are currently diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and can commit to the treatment schedule.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe skin diseases, or uncontrolled co-morbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a safe and effective non-medication option for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of photobiomodulation therapy is gaining interest, this specific application for chronic pain is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients eligible for the trial must comply with all of the following: 1. Currently diagnosed or receiving treatment for a widespread chronic pain condition, including but not limited to: 1. Axial pain of any origin 2. Polyathralgia of any origin 3. Myofascial pain of any origin 4. A diagnosis of chronic widespread pain or FM 2. Able to provide informed written consent 3. ≥18 years 4. Able to commit time to the trial treatment schedule of 6 weeks 5. Score as low or moderate risk on the COVID-19 risk stratification tool - applicable for the duration of the pandemic Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnancy 2. Severe skin diseases (e.g. skin cancer, severe eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis) 3. Body weight ≥136kg, as per manufacturer instructions \[see Appendix 3\] 4. Uncontrolled co-morbidities (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes defined as HbA1c \>69mmol/mol, decompensated heart failure, major psychiatric disturbance such as acute psychosis or suicidal ideation) 5. Use of systemic corticosteroid therapy including oral prednisolone or corticosteroid injections within the preceding 6 months as recommended by the manufacturer; steroids are thought to inhibit the anti-inflammatory effect of photobiomodulation therapy 6. Known active malignancy 7. Inability to enter the NovoTHOR device or lie flat for 20 minutes (either due to physical reasons or other e.g. claustrophobia) 8. Patients speaking a language for which an interpreter cannot be sought
Where this trial is running
Birmingham
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust — Birmingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
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.