Laterality Training for Chronic Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether laterality training, a brain exercise involving the identification of left or right images, can reduce chronic pain in individuals with shoulder or knee pain lasting over six months. Researchers aim to determine if this training can lower pain levels, reduce the pain area, and improve the speed and accuracy of left/right judgment tasks. Participants will either complete this training or a word puzzle, and researchers will then compare pain and judgment task results. Ideal participants are adults who have experienced shoulder or knee pain for more than six months and can read English. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new pain management strategies.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a non-invasive therapy, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the study team.
What prior data suggests that laterality training is safe for chronic pain patients?
Research has shown that laterality training is generally safe. This method is a non-invasive brain therapy using a tablet app to help identify pictures of left or right hands or feet, depending on the location of the pain.
Although specific safety data for this trial is unavailable, similar methods, such as virtual reality exercises, have demonstrated safety and may help reduce symptoms. Laterality training does not involve medication or physical procedures, typically resulting in fewer side effects. Additionally, this trial is labeled "Not Applicable" for phase, indicating a focus on technique rather than testing a new drug.
Overall, laterality training is well-tolerated, with no major side effects reported in similar studies. Participants can expect a safe experience if they choose to join this trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about laterality training for chronic pain because it offers a novel approach by engaging cortical body maps to promote neuroplastic changes. Unlike typical pain treatments that often rely on medications like NSAIDs or opioids, this method uses a digital application called Recognise™ to help the brain rewire itself and potentially reduce pain perception. This non-invasive technique provides a fresh angle on pain management, aiming to tackle the root of pain processing in the brain rather than just alleviating symptoms.
What evidence suggests that laterality training is effective for chronic pain?
Research has shown that laterality training, a type of brain-based therapy, can reduce pain in individuals with long-term muscle and joint pain. In this trial, participants in the laterality training arm will engage in this therapy, which improves how the brain processes pain by targeting areas that control body position. This can lead to reduced pain and enhanced movement. Participants have reported experiencing less pain and greater accuracy in tasks involving left-right judgment after this training. Although more research is needed, these findings suggest that laterality training could be a promising method for managing chronic pain.13467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Adriaan P Louw, PhD
Principal Investigator
Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with shoulder or knee pain that's lasted more than 6 months. It aims to see if a brain-based therapy called laterality training can help reduce their pain and improve how they perceive it.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-intervention Assessment
Participants complete a pre-intervention assessment including pain ratings, pain drawings, and a left/right judgment test
Intervention
Participants are randomly assigned to either the laterality training intervention or the sham cognitive task comparator
Post-intervention Assessment
Participants complete the same assessments after the activity (pain ratings, pain drawings, left/right judgment test)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any immediate changes in pain and judgment accuracy after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Laterality Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Hawaii Pacific University
Lead Sponsor
Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group
Collaborator