Actively Recruiting
Effects of tDCS Combined With CBI on Postsurgical Pain
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-07-30
132
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
289 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a new medical technology can help reduce post-operative total knee or hip pain when combined with a Cognitive-Behavioral intervention (CBI). This new medical technology, is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), it uses a very small amount of electricity to temporarily stimulate specific areas of the brain thought to be involved in pain reduction. The electrical current passes through the skin, scalp, hair, and skull and requires no additional medication, sedation, or needles. This study will investigate the effects of tDCS, the Cognitive-Behavioral (CB) intervention and their combination on pain among veterans following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). The Veteran may benefit in the form of decreased pain and opioid requirements following knee or hip replacement surgery. However, benefit is only likely if Veterans are randomized to one of the 3 (out of 4) groups. This study hopes to determine the effects of these interventions and combined effect on post-operative pain, opioid use and functioning during the 48-hour post-operative period following a total knee or hip replacement.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of tDCS Combined With CBI on Postsurgical Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Mentally capable of reading, writing, giving consent, and following instructions
- Cleared for, and scheduled for unilateral total knee or hip replacement surgery
- Able to hear Cognitive-Behavioral intervention and understand educational materials through headphones in English
- Aged between 18 and 90 years
- Undergoing surgery at the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC in Charleston SC
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of implanted medical devices above the waist
- Pregnancy
- History of seizures
- Allergy to latex rubber
- Psychiatric conditions other than depression and/or anxiety disorders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29401-5703
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jeffrey J Borckardt, PhD
CONTACT
D
Donald (Hugh) L Myrick, MD BS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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