This clinical trial is designed to assess the effectiveness of advanced neuromodulation techniques in reducing phantom limb pain by improving sensory feedback in bionic prostheses. The study will explore the use of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to evaluate their impact on pain relief and sensory restoration. The trial aims the development of neuroprostheses that can provide sensory feedback through stimulation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a neuromodulation technique used to treat chronic pain. The procedure starts with a preoperative assessment, including imaging to identify the target peripheral nerve. Under local anesthesia, a thin, insulated electrode is implanted near the nerve, usually with the help of fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation that involves the implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord through an electrode placed in the epidural space. The stimulation alters pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively masking or reducing the sensation of pain.
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRGS) is a targeted neuromodulation technique for managing chronic pain. The procedure begins with a thorough preoperative assessment, including imaging to locate the specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) associated with the pain. Under local anesthesia, a small electrode is implanted near the DRG. This is done through a minimally invasive procedure, often guided by fluoroscopy or CT imaging to ensure precise placement.
Motor Cortex Stimulation (MCS) is a neuromodulation technique that involves the surgical implantation of electrodes over the motor cortex, typically targeting the precentral gyrus, to deliver electrical stimulation. The procedure involves placing an electrode grid or strip on the dura mater overlying the motor cortex, which is identified via neuroimaging techniques such as functional MRI or neuronavigation. Once implanted, the electrodes are connected to an implanted pulse generator (IPG), which delivers adjustable electrical impulses.
Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia
Moscow, Russia
RECRUITINGFar Eastern Federal University
Moscow, Russia
RECRUITINGVAS
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line used to measure pain intensity. One end of the line represents \"no pain,\" while the other end signifies \"worst possible pain.\" The line can be either horizontal or vertical.
Time frame: up to 4 months
SF-36
The questionnaire consists of 36 items grouped into eight scales: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional well-being, and mental health. Each scale ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 represents full health. Higher scores indicate better quality of life, with two summary measures: physical and mental well-being.
Time frame: up to months
DN 4
The DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) questionnaire is a diagnostic tool designed to identify neuropathic pain, caused by nerve damage. It includes 10 items divided into two sections. The first part consists of seven questions that assess the patient's pain symptoms, such as burning, tingling, electric shocks, or numbness. The second part involves a clinical examination where the physician tests for reduced sensitivity to touch and pinprick, as well as pain response to light brushing. Each item is scored with 1 point for "Yes" and 0 for "No." A total score of 4 or higher indicates a high probability of neuropathic pain.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Sensory threshold change
In this task, the minimal amplitude of stimulation required to evoke a sensory response is experimentally determined. Numbers 1 and 2 appear on the screen, and at the moment one of the numbers appears, stimulation is simultaneously activated. The participant's task is to identify when the stimulation occurred and to input their response using the keyboard. After completing the task, a psychophysical curve will be computed, and the amplitude value that yields an accuracy of 0.75 will be used.
Time frame: At least three measurements. 1 - First week after implantation, 2 - Up to three months after implantation, 3 - Up to five months after implantation
Agency
Self-report questionnaires where participants rate their sense of agency over the prosthesis during tasks. It uses 0 to 10 scale, where 0 means lower agency and 10 means higher agency
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Embodiment
Throughout the study, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires assessing the degree of embodiment of the prosthesis. Since during the experimental sessions, feedback from the prosthesis is projected onto the phantom limb, the research team anticipates observing a transfer effect from the phantom limb to the robotic hand. The degree of this transfer will be evaluated using the Embodiment questionnaires for both upper and lower limbs. Embodiment uses scale from -9 to 9; -9 means "No embodiment" and 9 means "High embodiment".
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Pain detect
The questionnaire is intended for completion by a physician and combines a pain distribution diagram with a visual analog scale (VAS) and a section focused on identifying spontaneous and triggered neuropathic pain symptoms. It also assesses the nature of pain using the diagram, categorizing it as constant, episodic, or constant with episodes, among others. The questionnaire comprehensively reflects all possible pain parameters, allowing for clear tracking of pain dynamics over time. The total score ranges from -1 to 38. Based on this score: ≤ 12: Neuropathic pain is unlikely. 13-18: The result is ambiguous; further assessment may be needed. ≥ 19: Neuropathic pain is likely.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used screening tool designed to assess anxiety and depression levels in patients in non-psychiatric hospital settings. It consists of 14 items, divided into two subscales: seven questions assess anxiety (HADS-A) and seven assess depression (HADS-D). The items focus on emotional and cognitive symptoms rather than physical symptoms, making it suitable for patients with medical conditions. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, with total scores for each subscale ranging from 0 to 21. A score of 8 or more on either subscale suggests the presence of anxiety or depression. The HADS is valued for its simplicity and reliability in clinical and research settings.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Ownership
Self-report questionnaires where participants rate their sense of ownership over the prosthesis during tasks. It uses 0 to 10 scale, where 0 means lower agency and 10 means higher agency
Time frame: Up to 6 months
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