50 Participants Needed

Brain Stimulation for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

KY
Overseen ByKai Yu Ho, PhD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 3 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking anti-seizure medication.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Research shows that using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can increase muscle strength and reduce pain in women with patellofemoral pain. Additionally, tDCS has been effective in reducing pain in other conditions like knee osteoarthritis, suggesting it may help with patellofemoral pain as well.12345

Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally considered safe for humans, with mild and temporary side effects like itching, tingling, and headaches. Studies have shown no serious adverse effects when used at standard levels (up to 4 milliamperes for 40 minutes) across a wide range of people, including potentially vulnerable groups.678910

How does the treatment transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) differ from other treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is unique because it is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that can enhance muscular strength and reduce pain perception by modulating brain activity, unlike traditional treatments that may focus solely on physical therapy or medication.1241112

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study sought to investigate whether modulation of cortical excitability of the gluteal musculature, via tDCS paired with exercise, will reduce the amount the knee caves in during functional tasks in individuals with PFP. The objective is the explore if having tDCS target the area of the brain controlling hip muscles, when paired with exercise, will be more effective in reducing the amount the knee caves in for individuals with PFP versus those who receive exercise alone as their treatment. The aim is to contribute our findings to the growing knowledge in this area in order to help establish the possibility, and feasibility, of its use in clinical settings to strengthen traditional treatments for this patient population.

Research Team

KY

Kai Yu Ho, PhD

Principal Investigator

UNLV

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP), which often causes knee pain and discomfort. Participants should be experiencing knee caving in during physical activities. The study is not suitable for those who cannot safely receive transcranial direct current stimulation or exercise therapy.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had pain in my kneecap for at least 3 months.
My knee buckles during activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Exclusion Criteria

History of balance disorder
I have had a knee injury or surgery in the past.
Current pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy
See 3 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with exercise to modulate cortical excitability and improve functional movements

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulator
Trial Overview The trial tests if using a brain-stimulating device called a transcranial direct current stimulator (tDCS) can improve how the hip muscles work to prevent the knee from caving in when paired with exercise, compared to just doing exercises alone.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ShamPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulator is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for:
  • Chronic pain management
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Musculoskeletal pain relief
🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for:
  • Chronic pain management
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Musculoskeletal pain relief
🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for:
  • Chronic pain management
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Musculoskeletal pain relief

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Lead Sponsor

Trials
81
Recruited
14,700+

Findings from Research

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) combined with resistance training significantly increased muscular strength in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP), as evidenced by greater 10RM loads compared to the placebo group after 8 sessions and post-intervention.
The same a-tDCS + resistance training intervention also led to a significant reduction in pain perception after treatment, indicating its potential effectiveness in rehabilitation programs for PFP.
Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Increases Muscular Strength and Reduces Pain Perception in Women With Patellofemoral Pain.Rodrigues, GM., Paixão, A., Arruda, T., et al.[2023]
In a study involving 40 older adults with knee osteoarthritis, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly increased pain thresholds and tolerances, indicating its efficacy in reducing experimental pain sensitivity.
The improvements in experimental pain measures from tDCS were linked to reductions in clinical pain, suggesting that tDCS could be a promising non-invasive treatment for managing chronic pain conditions.
Bayesian analysis of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on experimental pain sensitivity in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: randomized sham-controlled pilot clinical study.Ahn, H., Suchting, R., Woods, AJ., et al.[2022]
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly reduced pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) compared to sham treatment, with a standardized mean difference of -0.62, indicating its potential as an effective pain management option.
However, tDCS did not show significant improvements in physical function, stiffness, mobility performance, or quality of life, suggesting that while it may help with pain relief, it does not enhance overall physical capabilities in KOA patients.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Yang, JM., Li, CC., Wang, Y., et al.[2023]

References

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Increases Muscular Strength and Reduces Pain Perception in Women With Patellofemoral Pain. [2023]
Bayesian analysis of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on experimental pain sensitivity in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: randomized sham-controlled pilot clinical study. [2022]
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2023]
Motor cortex transcranial direct current stimulation effects on knee osteoarthritis pain in elderly subjects with dysfunctional descending pain inhibitory system: A randomized controlled trial. [2021]
The effects of anodal tDCS on pain reduction in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]
A systematic review on reporting and assessment of adverse effects associated with transcranial direct current stimulation. [2022]
Microdermabrasion facilitates direct current stimulation by lowering skin resistance. [2023]
Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Evidence Based Update 2016. [2022]
Does anodal transcranial direct current stimulation modulate sensory perception and pain? A meta-analysis study. [2022]
10.Korea (South)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurorehabilitation. [2023]
Transcranial direct-current stimulation reduces nociceptive behaviour in an orofacial pain model. [2019]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex ameliorates chronic pain and reduces short intracortical inhibition. [2022]
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