Neurofeedback Treatment to Reduce Fibromyalgia-Type Pain in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating neurofeedback as a treatment for nociplastic pain, a type of persistent pain experienced by people with rheumatoid arthritis even after inflammation is treated. This study particularly focuses on the fibromyalgia-like symptoms of this pain, such as fatigue and sleep disturbance, which currently have limited effective therapies. The research aims to understand how neurofeedback, a noninvasive technique that helps individuals control brain activity, affects these symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Participants will undergo a schedule that includes a one-week diary of pain, sleep, and fatigue before beginning treatment. They will then attend 10 neurofeedback sessions over about five weeks, each lasting 30 minutes with EEG monitoring before and after. The neurofeedback uses a graphical interface to guide participants in adjusting brain wave activity. Baseline EEG recordings and quantitative sensory testing will be done before and after the intervention. A remote follow-up interview will be conducted about one month after the last session. During the study, participants will complete various questionnaires assessing pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep, as well as mental strategies used during neurofeedback. EEG and sensory tests will measure brain activity and pain sensitivity. Researchers will monitor participants pain levels using a visual analog scale and other scales over several weeks. The entire participation lasts approximately 11 to 13 weeks, including all assessments and follow-up. Safety and any adverse effects will also be tracked throughout the study.

Neurofeedback for Nociplastic Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (NECTAR)