Actively Recruiting
The Added Value of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) During Exercise for People With Chronic Widespread Pain
Led by Vrije Universiteit Brussel · Updated on 2026-04-20
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
125 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Many people with chronic widespread pain (CWP) feel more pain and fatigue after exercise. This makes it hard to stay active. Unfortunately, the investigators do not fully understand why this happens and how to prevent it. The primary goal of this study is to explore the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of BDNF gene in response to exercise, and investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during exercise works to improve worsening symptoms response to exercise in people with CWP. The investigators designed a randomized crossover study and will enroll 60 patients with CWP and 60 healthy controls. Participants will undergo 2 interventions in random order: 1) exercise + active tDCS, and 2) exercise + sham tDCS. Participants will visit the hospital twice with at least one week in between the visits.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Added Value of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) During Exercise for People With Chronic Widespread Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- For patients: diagnosed with chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia
- Age between 18 and 70 years
- Body mass index (BMI) 35 or less
- Pain present on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, and in the axial skeleton for 3 months or more (patients only)
- Stable medication use for at least 1 month before the study (patients only)
- For healthy controls: age between 18 and 70 years
- For healthy controls: body mass index (BMI) 35 or less
- For healthy controls: no chronic conditions like chronic pain or diabetes
You will not qualify if you...
- Current pregnancy or pregnancy within the last 12 months
- Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation
- History of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, or Parkinson's disease
- Major medical conditions including cancer, endocrine or metabolic disorders, urinary, genital, or cardiovascular diseases
- Substance abuse
- Psychiatric disorders other than depression or anxiety
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VUB
Jette, Belgium, 1090
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Pain in Motion research group
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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