Whole-Body Photobiomodulation and Chronic Pain Trial
This study is exploring a new approach for people who live with long-lasting pain. It's called whole-body photobiomodulation therapy, which uses safe, gentle light to help reduce pain, lower swelling, and help the body fix itself. Many people with chronic pain struggle with current treatments, which might not always work well or can have unpleasant side effects. This study aims to see if this light therapy is a good and acceptable option for those with chronic pain that affects large parts of their body, like fibromyalgia. It's a first step to see if a bigger study should be done in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with chronic pain can be really tough. It's pain that lasts a long time and can pop up anywhere in the body. Often, people with chronic pain also feel very tired, have trouble sleeping, and their mood can be affected. There are many ways to treat chronic pain, including medicines and other helpful methods like exercise or talking therapies. However, medicines don't always work perfectly and can sometimes cause annoying side effects. Even though exercise is often good, sometimes chronic pain can make it hard to get started.
This study is looking at a new, gentle treatment called photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Think of it as a safe way to use light to help your body heal. When this special light touches your cells, it kick-starts a process that can lead to less pain, less swelling, and help your body repair itself. Previous studies have used small devices on specific painful spots. But since some types of chronic pain, like fibromyalgia, can affect many areas at once, this study is exploring whole-body PBM, which can treat a larger area quickly.
The main goal of this study is to find out if whole-body photobiomodulation is a practical and acceptable way to treat chronic pain. We want to understand things like how easy it is to find suitable people for the study, if people like using the treatment device, and if the ways we measure pain relief are helpful. This helps us decide if we should do a much bigger, more in-depth study in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a gentle light therapy for widespread chronic pain.
- It aims to reduce pain, inflammation, and help the body repair itself.
- The therapy involves lying in a device for whole-body light treatment.
- It's a first step to see if this treatment is practical and well-received.
- Participation involves a 6-week treatment schedule.
- It's exploring a non-drug option for chronic pain management.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently dealing with a long-lasting pain condition that affects many parts of your body. This includes conditions like widespread pain in your back, joints, or muscles, or if you have fibromyalgia. You should be able to commit to 6 weeks for the treatment schedule and be able to understand and sign consent forms.
You wouldn't be able to join if you are pregnant, have severe skin conditions like skin cancer or very bad eczema, or if you weigh 136kg (about 21 stone 6 pounds) or more. Also, if you have certain serious health issues that aren't well controlled, such as uncontrolled diabetes or severe heart problems, or a serious mental health condition, you wouldn't be suitable. If you have active cancer, or have used steroid medications (like certain injections or oral tablets) in the last 6 months, you also can't take part. Lastly, if you are unable to lie flat or enter the NovoTHOR treatment device for 20 minutes, perhaps due to physical reasons or feeling very claustrophobic, you would not be able to participate.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have widespread chronic pain affecting different parts of your body?
- Are you able to commit to 6 weeks for the study treatment?
- Are you able to lie comfortably inside a device for about 20 minutes?
- Are you able to understand and sign consent forms?
- Are you not pregnant and don't have certain severe health or skin conditions?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be committing to a treatment schedule over 6 weeks. The study intends to understand how well the light therapy device is liked and if the methods for measuring changes in your pain and well-being are useful. You will likely have regular visits to receive the photobiomodulation therapy. We don't have details on how many visits or other assessments are involved, but the total treatment period lasts for 6 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS TrustBirmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is photobiomodulation therapy?
It's a gentle treatment that uses special light to help your body's cells heal themselves, which can reduce pain and swelling.
Is this treatment painful?
No, it's described as a safe, non-invasive low-energy light therapy. You shouldn't feel pain during the treatment.
Who is this study for?
It's for adults (18 and over) who experience long-lasting pain that affects various parts of their body, like fibromyalgia.
How long does the study last?
If you join, you'll be involved in the treatment schedule for 6 weeks.
What is the main purpose of this study?
The main purpose is to see if this whole-body light therapy is a practical and acceptable treatment for chronic pain before potentially doing a larger study.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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