Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Knee Arthroplasty Recovery With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

This study is investigating if a gentle electrical brain treatment, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can help people recover better after knee replacement surgery. Many people experience significant pain after this operation, and some even develop long-lasting pain. This research will see if using tDCS at home, both before and after surgery, can help manage pain in the short term and reduce the chances of developing chronic pain later on. The study will also check how easy it is for people to use the home device and how useful they find it, to help design bigger studies in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Women's College Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Knee Arthroplasty Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Pain, Postoperative

What is this study about?

When people have a total knee replacement operation, it's usually to help with severe pain caused by arthritis. While the surgery itself is very effective, many patients still experience a lot of pain afterwards. For some, this pain can even continue for a long time, becoming what's known as chronic postsurgical pain.

This study is looking into a new approach to ease this pain. It's using something called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Don't let the name confuse you; it's a gentle, non-invasive treatment where a small electrical current is passed through specific areas of the brain. Early research suggests this might help reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers, though it hasn't been widely tested for knee replacement recovery.

The main goal of this particular study is to see if using this tDCS treatment at home, both before and after your knee operation, can help you manage your acute pain (the pain you feel right after surgery) and reduce your chances of developing long-lasting pain. It's also testing how practical and acceptable it is for people to use the tDCS device at home.

Key takeaways

The study explores a home-based electrical brain treatment (tDCS) for knee replacement pain.
It aims to reduce pain right after surgery and prevent long-term pain.
Participants will use a device at home before and after their knee operation.
The study also checks how easy and helpful the home treatment is for patients.
It's an early-stage study to gather information for future, larger research projects.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and scheduled to have your first total knee replacement operation for severe arthritis. You also need to have access to a smartphone or tablet (either an iPhone/iPad running iOS 10 or newer, or an Android device running Android 5 or newer) that can connect to the internet, as this will be used with the study equipment.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you've had brain surgery, strokes, or seizures, or if you have any metal implants in or on your head (like plates or braces), this study wouldn't be suitable. People with certain severe sleep disorders, active alcohol use disorder, or those taking very high doses of opioid painkillers might also not be eligible.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you having your first total knee replacement for arthritis?
Do you have a smartphone or tablet that connects to the internet (iOS 10+ or Android 5+)?
Have you *not* had any brain surgery or strokes?
Do you *not* have metal implants in your head (like plates or braces)?
Are you *not* taking very high doses of opioid painkillers (80mg morphine equivalent daily or more)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will use a special home device to give yourself tDCS treatment. You'll have 15 sessions in total, spread out before and after your knee operation. During this time, you'll need to keep a diary to record your experiences. You will also be asked to complete some follow-up diary entries about your pain and recovery at 14 days, 30 days, and 90 days after your surgery. The study also measures how often and how well you use the device.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as better pain management after your knee surgery and potentially reducing your risk of developing long-lasting pain. However, as it's a research study, there's no guarantee you will experience these benefits. Potential risks related to tDCS are generally mild and temporary, such as a tingling sensation or redness on the scalp where the electrodes are placed. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Toronto Western Hospital (UHN)
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial direct current stimulation. It's a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses a small electrical current applied to the head to stimulate certain brain areas, which some studies suggest can help with pain.

Will this treatment hurt?

tDCS is generally considered gentle. You might feel a mild tingling or itching sensation on your scalp where the electrodes are, but this usually fades quickly.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be using the tDCS device and keeping diaries for a set period around your surgery, with follow-up diary entries up to 90 days (about 3 months) after your operation.

Do I have to go to a clinic for the treatment?

No, a key part of this study is that you administer the tDCS treatment yourself at home using a special device.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your medical care or relationship with your healthcare providers.

How to find out more

Didem Bozak

didem.bozak@wchospital.ca 416-323-6008 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.