The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of tDCS in combination with TUS for the treatment of pain and functional limitations in subjects with NSCLBP. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a decrease in pain levels with active stimulation, when compared to sham stimulation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
40
Subjects will receive 20 minutes of either active or sham tDCS at an intensity of 2 milliamps (mA). The anodal electrode will be placed over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the most painful side, and the cathodal electrode will be placed over the contralateral supraorbital area. In the sham group, the tDCS device will not be active for the full 20 minutes.
Subjects will receive 20 minutes of either active or sham TUS. During active stimulation the ultrasound will be active for the full 20 minutes- however, during sham stimulation the ultrasound will not be active for the full 20 minutes.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Research Institute
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Changes in Mechanical Temporal Summation (Hand)
Changes in Mechanical Temporal Summation (TS) from hand will be measured in order to determine whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in conjunction with transcranial ultrasound (TUS) is effective in reducing pain of subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Time frame: Baseline and 3.5 months
Changes in Conditional Pain Modulation (Hand)
Changes in Conditional Pain Modulation (CPM) will be measured in the hand in order to determine whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in conjunction with transcranial ultrasound (TUS) is effective in increasing the pain pressure threshold in subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Time frame: Baseline and 3.5 months
Changes in Pain
Changes in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain will be measured in order to measure any changes in pain levels when subjects come in for sessions.
Time frame: Baseline and 3.5 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.