Pilot Study of rTMS Combined With Tai Chi for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis Pain and Depression in Adults Aged 50 to 95

What this Trial Is About

Knee osteoarthritis OA is a widespread and disabling condition often accompanied by depression, affecting many adults aged 50 to 95. This study explores the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS combined with Tai Chi to improve pain and depressive symptoms in people with knee OA and moderate to severe depression. The pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel rTMS approach targeting two brain areas to better manage these coexisting conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving 24 sessions of rTMS over 12 weeks. One group will receive active stimulation at both the primary motor cortex M1 and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex l-DLPFC, while the other group will receive active stimulation at M1 and sham stimulation at l-DLPFC. The rTMS sessions use a specialized coil device that allows double-blinding to treatment type. All participants will also engage in twice-weekly Tai Chi sessions during the study. Throughout the 12-week treatment period, participants attendance, safety, and adherence to the rTMS and Tai Chi interventions will be closely monitored. Researchers will assess changes in pain and depression symptoms using clinical scales and track inflammatory markers through blood tests. Follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months will help understand longer-term effects. The study aims to gather data to support larger future trials and improve treatment options for knee OA with depression.

A Randomized Pilot rTMS Trial for Knee Arthritis Pain and Depression