Actively Recruiting
The Effectiveness of Conservative Treatment in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Led by Oulu University Hospital · Updated on 2025-10-06
156
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
430 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
O
Oulu University Hospital
Lead Sponsor
T
The Maud Kuistila Memorial Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The aim of the study is to investigate and improve non-pharmacological rehabilitation methods for patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) to reduce pain and restore work and functional capacity to lower overall treatment costs. Current treatment methods offer limited rehabilitation potential for this challenging pain condition, so efforts should be made to raise the level of care and rehabilitation for a disease that often causes long-term and severe reductions in patients' functional and occupational abilities. CRPS patients almost always have to substantially reduce their work hours or withdrawn from the workforce for extended periods, and often permanently, increasing the urgency of strengthening rehabilitation approaches; a CRPS symptoms can end a patient's productivity for society. In addition, commonly used medications are a significant expense for both individuals and the healthcare system. CRPS rarely resolves fully, and even with extensive rehabilitation only a small proportion of patients regain sufficient improvement to return to work at a level of at least 60% capacity. Participants will be recruited from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Oulu University Hospital, where CRPS diagnostics for the Northern Ostrobothnia area are primarily conducted. The study will be carried out at OYS rehabilitation outpatient clinics. A total of 39 participants will be recruited into each of four study groups, for an overall sample size of 156 individuals. Each study group will receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at some point, and functional neurological rehabilitation will be combined with rTMS in varying ways (content and timing will differ between groups). All participants will receive basic CRPS rehabilitation (physiotherapy and occupational therapy) that is provided for all RPS patients, and the timing of this relative to rTMS will also be varied. Recruitment is planned to begin in a autumn 2025.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Effectiveness of Conservative Treatment in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- CRPS symptoms lasting 5 years or less at diagnosis
- Aged 18 to 70 years
- Approved for rTMS treatment by university hospital pain clinic multidisciplinary group
- Voluntary participation in the study
You will not qualify if you...
- CRPS symptoms started more than 5 years ago
- Receiving other outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation during the study period
- Under 18 or over 70 years old
- Not eligible for rTMS treatment or rTMS not approved by the university hospital pain clinic multidisciplinary group
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Oulu University Hospital, Pain Clinic
Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, Finland, 90100
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jani M Takatalo, PhD, MD, PRM Specialit
CONTACT
J
Juhani Määttä, Docent, MD, PRM Specialist
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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