Neurofeedback for Nociplastic Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (NECTAR)
This study, called NECTAR, is exploring a new treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who experience ongoing pain, even when their inflammation is under control. This type of pain is called nociplastic pain and is similar to the pain felt in fibromyalgia. There aren't many good treatments for it right now. The study will use a non-invasive method called neurofeedback. This involves learning to control your brainwaves. Previous research suggests this might help with fibromyalgia. Researchers want to see if neurofeedback can reduce this specific pain in RA patients, and also improve related symptoms like tiredness and poor sleep.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, causing pain and swelling. While treatments often help reduce the swelling, some people continue to experience persistent pain. This kind of pain, called nociplastic pain, feels similar to the wide-ranging pain experienced in a condition called fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, there aren't many effective treatments specifically for this persistent pain in RA.
This study, called NECTAR, is investigating a promising new approach called neurofeedback. Think of neurofeedback as a way to train your brain. It's a non-invasive technique where you learn to adjust your brain activity. Researchers have seen some positive results with neurofeedback helping people with fibromyalgia, and now they want to see if it can help people with RA who have this similar type of pain.
The main goal of NECTAR is to see if neurofeedback can directly reduce this nociplastic pain in people with RA. Beyond pain, the study will also look at how neurofeedback might affect other common and difficult symptoms, such as feeling very tired (fatigue) and having trouble sleeping.
Key takeaways
- Exploring neurofeedback for persistent pain in RA.
- Non-invasive brain training method.
- Aims to reduce pain, fatigue, and improve sleep.
- Study lasts approximately 11-13 weeks.
- No medication changes required for the study.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by specific medical guidelines. You also need to experience widespread, long-lasting pain, meeting another set of medical criteria, and your rheumatoid arthritis needs to be stable, meaning your swelling and inflammation levels are low.
There are also some other requirements. You should have normal or corrected vision and hearing, be right-handed, and experience pain that is at least a 4 out of 10 on a pain scale. Participants must be between 18 and 75 years old.
You won't be able to join if you have certain neurological conditions like MS or Parkinson's, or any major mental health conditions that would make taking part difficult. The study also cannot accept you if you're currently receiving intensive pain management from a specialist team, or are involved in other research studies that might interfere with this one.
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.
- Do I have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Do I also experience widespread, long-lasting pain?
- Is my rheumatoid arthritis currently stable (low inflammation)?
- Am I aged between 18 and 75?
- Do I feel my pain is at least a 4 out of 10?
- Do I not have other major brain or mental health conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the whole process will last about 11 to 13 weeks. Before starting, you'll record your pain, sleep, and tiredness for one week. Then, you'll have 10 neurofeedback sessions, usually 2 to 3 times a week. Each session involves having sensors placed on your head to measure brain activity; this takes about 5 to 10 minutes to set up. You'll then sit comfortably and watch a screen that shows your brain activity as coloured bars. Your task will be to try and change these bars by learning to control certain brainwaves, aiming to decrease some and increase others. Each training period lasts 30 minutes. After your 10 sessions, there will be a final in-person assessment, and then a follow-up chat over the phone or online one month later.
If you have a short-term illness like a cold, flu, or COVID-19, your sessions can be delayed for up to a week. However, if you miss more than two sessions in total, you might need to leave the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Clinical Research Facility (CRF), Queen Elizabeth University HospitalVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training where you learn to control your own brain activity, often with the help of a monitor showing your brainwaves.
Is neurofeedback painful?
No, neurofeedback is not painful. It involves placing sensors on your scalp to measure brain activity, but no electricity is put into your brain.
How long will I need to be involved?
The study will require your participation for about 11 to 13 weeks in total.
What if I miss a session?
Sessions can be postponed for up to a week for short-term illness. However, if you miss more than two sessions, you may need to stop participating in the study.
Will I stop my current RA medications?
No, the study does not involve changing your existing rheumatoid arthritis medications. You should continue them as prescribed by your doctor.
How to find out more
Aleksandra Vuckovic, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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