Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

IPRP Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

This research is investigating whether adding a gentle brain stimulation called rTMS to an existing Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP) can help young people aged 10-18 who experience severe, long-lasting pain. Chronic pain significantly affects daily life, and current treatments don't always reduce the pain itself, even if they improve mental health. The study uses a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) which targets a specific part of the brain linked to pain and mental health. Researchers hope this combined approach will lead to a reduction in pain symptoms, better mental health, and improved daily functioning for participants, ultimately helping them get back to normal activities.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

19 Oct 2020

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2028

Chronic Pain

What is this study about?

Many young people experience severe pain that lasts for three months or more, which can significantly affect their daily lives, making it hard to sleep, go to school, or enjoy activities. This kind of pain is called chronic pain.

The Alberta Children's Hospital already has a special program called the Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP). This program helps young people learn ways to manage their pain and improve their daily activities through a team of experts. While this program helps with anxiety, depression, and general functioning, it often doesn't directly reduce the feeling of pain itself. So, researchers are looking for ways to improve this.

This new study wants to see if adding a gentle brain stimulation technique, called Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), to the existing IPRP can make a difference. The rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate a specific area of the brain known to be involved in pain processing and mental health. Scientists have seen that this part of the brain acts differently in young people with chronic pain. By gently stimulating it, they hope to help reduce pain symptoms and further improve mental health and daily living for these young people.

Key takeaways

This study combines a special rehabilitation program with gentle brain stimulation.
It aims to help young people (10-18) with severe, long-lasting pain.
The brain stimulation targets a specific area of the brain linked to pain and mood.
Researchers hope to reduce pain, improve mental health, and boost daily functioning.
Participation will involve three weeks of daily brain stimulation alongside the rehabilitation program.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people between 10 and 18 years old who are experiencing severe chronic pain. This means your pain must have lasted for at least three months and be significantly stopping you from doing everyday things like going to school, sleeping well, or taking part in hobbies.

You should have already tried other pain treatments that haven't helped you get back to your normal activities. It's important that both you and your family are ready to work actively on your pain management and understand that this program focuses on helping you get back to your routine.

However, you can't join if you have certain conditions, such as significant developmental delays, an untreated mental health condition that would interfere with a rehabilitation program, or if you need to come off strong pain medications called opioids.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 18 years old?
Has your pain lasted for at least three months?
Does your pain stop you from doing normal daily activities (like school, sleep, hobbies)?
Have other pain treatments not fully helped you get back to your usual routine?
Are you and your family willing to actively work on managing your pain?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll be involved in the Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP). A new part of this study will involve daily brain stimulation sessions, lasting about 37 minutes, five days a week, for three weeks. This is in addition to the standard IPRP activities. Throughout the program, you'll have various assessments to check your pain levels, mental well-being, and how well you're doing in your daily life. Some participants might also have brain scans at the beginning and end of the program to see any changes. The total duration of active participation in the study will be three weeks while you are undergoing the IPRP.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer a chance to reduce your pain and improve your mental health and daily functioning beyond what the standard IPRP can achieve. The brain stimulation technique (rTMS) is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, there can be minor, temporary side effects like a mild headache or a tingling sensation. Your well-being is important, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What is rTMS?

rTMS stands for Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It's a gentle way to stimulate specific parts of the brain using magnetic pulses, which scientists hope can help with pain and mood.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 10 to 18 who have severe, long-lasting pain that significantly impacts their daily life and have not found relief from other treatments.

How long will the study last?

Your active participation in the study, including the brain stimulation, will last for three weeks, alongside your Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program.

Will this completely cure my pain?

The study aims to *reduce* pain symptoms and improve how you cope with daily life. It's not guaranteed to completely remove all pain, but researchers hope it will lead to better outcomes.

Are there any side effects from the brain stimulation?

Most people tolerate rTMS well. Some might experience mild, temporary side effects like a headache or a tingling feeling in the head during the treatment.