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Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Mindfulness-based Meditation for Pain in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Mindfulness-based Meditation for Pain in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis (Self tDCS and Meditation for Knee Pain)

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03747640
Enrollment
30
Registered
2018-11-20
Start date
2018-11-28
Completion date
2019-03-08
Last updated
2022-03-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a two-week self tDCS and mindfulness-based meditation for pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Interventions

DEVICESelf Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

tDCS with a constant current intensity of 2 milliamps (mA) will be applied for 20 minutes per session daily for 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) via the Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device (Soterix Medical Inc., New York; 6.5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 0.7 inches thick) with headgear and 5x7 cm saline-soaked surface sponge electrodes.

The meditation intervention will be delivered by a recorded device that participants will be given together with the tDCS. All meditation instruction recordings will be done by an experienced mind-body intervention specialist and installed in a user-friendly MP3 player.

DEVICESham Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

For sham stimulation, the electrodes will be placed in the same positions as for active stimulation, but the stimulator will only deliver 2 mA current for 30 seconds.

BEHAVIORALsham meditation

For sham meditation, the participants will be instructed, approximately every 2-3 minutes, to take deep breaths as we sit in meditation. Time spent giving instructions in the sham meditation intervention will be matched to time spent in the mindfulness intervention.

Sponsors

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* self-reported unilateral or bilateral knee OA pain, according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. According to American College of Rheumatology criteria, participants should meet at least 3 of 6 criteria, including age \> 50 years, stiffness \< 30 minutes, crepitus, bony tenderness, bony enlargement, and no palpable warmth. * have had knee OA pain in the past 3 months with an average of at least 30 on a 100 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain * can speak and read English * have a device with internet access that can be used for secure video conferencing for real-time remote supervision * have no plan to change medication regimens for pain throughout the trial * are able to travel to the coordinating center * are willing and able to provide written informed consent prior to enrollment

Exclusion criteria

* Participants will be excluded if they have concurrent medical conditions that hinder the completion of the protocol, including any of the following * history of brain surgery, brain tumor, seizure, stroke, or intracranial metal implantation * serious medical illness, such as uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure/ diastolic blood pressure ≥ 150/95 mm Hg), heart failure, or history of acute myocardial infarction * alcohol/substance abuse * cognitive impairment * pregnancy or lactation * hospitalization within the preceding year for psychiatric illness

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Clinical Pain as Assessed by a Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS)baseline, 2 weeksThe NRS assess average pain over the past 24 hours from 0 (no pain) to 100 (most intense pain imaginable).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety-short FormbaselineThe 7-item PROMIS Anxiety Short Form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form2 weeksThe 7-item PROMIS Anxiety Short Form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short FormbaselineThe 8-item PROMIS Depression Short Form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short FormbaselineThe 8-item PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)baselineThe Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) consists of 13 items assessing three components of catastrophizing: rumination, magnification, and helplessness. Each item rated on a 5-point scale: 0 (Not at all) to 4 (all the time).The PCS total score is computed by summing responses to all 13 items, with total scores ranging from 0 - 52. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.
Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)baselineThe Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) is a 14-item instrument. Respondents indicate their experiences relating to the items on a 4-point Likert scale (rarely, occasionally, fairly often and almost always), and the total score is calculated by adding all the scores on the 14 items of the FMI. Total scores range from 14-56, with higher scores indicating higher levels of mindfulness.
Change in Clinical Pain as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)baseline, 2 weeksThe WOMAC ranges from 0 to 96, with higher scores indicating worse osteoarthritis (OA) pain-related symptoms.
Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)baselinePain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.
Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy2 weeksPain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.
Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Cold Pain Intensitybaseline, 2 weeksParticipants immersed their hand in a cold water bath, and at thirty seconds after hand immersion, they rated the cold pain intensity on a scale of 0-100. A higher score indicating higher pain intensity.
Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Lateral Kneebaseline, 2 weeksTo assess pressure pain threshold (PPT), a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's knee. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).
Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Medial Kneebaseline, 2 weeksTo assess pressure pain threshold (PPT), a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's knee. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).
Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Conditioned Pain Modulationbaseline, 2 weeksConditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) was assessed as the change in PPT on the trapezius immediately after the immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold-water bath (Neslab, Portsmouth, NH) at 12 degrees C for one minute. \[To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).\]

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
tDCS With Mindfulness-based Meditation
Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with Mindfulness-Based Meditation Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): tDCS with a constant current intensity of 2 milliamps (mA) will be applied for 20 minutes per session daily for 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) via the Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device (Soterix Medical Inc., New York; 6.5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 0.7 inches thick) with headgear and 5x7 cm saline-soaked surface sponge electrodes. mindfulness-based meditation: The meditation intervention will be delivered by a recorded device that participants will be given together with the tDCS. All meditation instruction recordings will be done by an experienced mind-body intervention specialist and installed in a user-friendly MP3 player.
15
Sham tDCS With Sham Meditation
Sham self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with sham Meditation Sham Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): For sham stimulation, the electrodes will be placed in the same positions as for active stimulation, but the stimulator will only deliver 2 mA current for 30 seconds. sham meditation: For sham meditation, the participants will be instructed, approximately every 2-3 minutes, to take deep breaths as we sit in meditation. Time spent giving instructions in the sham meditation intervention will be matched to time spent in the mindfulness intervention.
15
Total30

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristictDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationTotalSham tDCS With Sham Meditation
Age, Continuous59.47 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.38
59.47 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.91
59.47 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.63
Body Mass Index27.9 kg / m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.35
27.54 kg / m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.71
27.17 kg / m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.19
Clinical Pain as Assessed by a Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS)55.33 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21
48 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18.83
40.67 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.35
Clinical Pain as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index42.27 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 23.3
39.30 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 19.92
36.33 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 16.14
Education
2-year College
3 Participants4 Participants1 Participants
Education
4- year College
4 Participants10 Participants6 Participants
Education
Doctoral Degree
2 Participants6 Participants4 Participants
Education
High School'
2 Participants4 Participants2 Participants
Education
Master's Degree
4 Participants6 Participants2 Participants
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Cold Pain Intensity78.33 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 19.61
77.83 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21.08
77.33 score on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 23.14
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, lateral Knee3.47 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.18
3.72 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.01
3.96 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.88
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Medial Knee3.54 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.18
3.67 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.87
3.80 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.56
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as measured by Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)0.67 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.68
.81 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
0.94 kilograms force (kgf)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.25
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
African American
4 Participants8 Participants4 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
5 Participants13 Participants8 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Hispanic
1 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
5 Participants7 Participants2 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
15 participants30 participants15 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants18 Participants10 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
7 Participants12 Participants5 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 150 / 15
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 150 / 15
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 150 / 15

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Clinical Pain as Assessed by a Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS)

The NRS assess average pain over the past 24 hours from 0 (no pain) to 100 (most intense pain imaginable).

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Clinical Pain as Assessed by a Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS)-24.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.88
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Clinical Pain as Assessed by a Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS)-3.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.63
Secondary

Change in Clinical Pain as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

The WOMAC ranges from 0 to 96, with higher scores indicating worse osteoarthritis (OA) pain-related symptoms.

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Clinical Pain as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)-12.60 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.97
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Clinical Pain as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)-0.53 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.01
Secondary

Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Cold Pain Intensity

Participants immersed their hand in a cold water bath, and at thirty seconds after hand immersion, they rated the cold pain intensity on a scale of 0-100. A higher score indicating higher pain intensity.

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Cold Pain Intensity-15.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.4
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Cold Pain Intensity9.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.32
Secondary

Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Conditioned Pain Modulation

Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) was assessed as the change in PPT on the trapezius immediately after the immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold-water bath (Neslab, Portsmouth, NH) at 12 degrees C for one minute. \[To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).\]

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Conditioned Pain Modulation0.73 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 1.31
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Conditioned Pain Modulation-0.78 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 1.17
Secondary

Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Lateral Knee

To assess pressure pain threshold (PPT), a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's knee. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Lateral Knee.75 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 1.29
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Lateral Knee-.71 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 0.82
Secondary

Change in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Medial Knee

To assess pressure pain threshold (PPT), a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's knee. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT).

Time frame: baseline, 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Medial Knee.69 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 1.16
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationChange in Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by Pressure Pain Threshold, Medial Knee-.79 kilograms force (kgf)Standard Deviation 0.58
Secondary

Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy

Pain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationNumber of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy15 Participants
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationNumber of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy15 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Pain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationNumber of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)15 Participants
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationNumber of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)15 Participants
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS Depression Short Form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form11.93 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.94
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form12.20 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.83
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS Depression Short Form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form13.93 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.74
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Depression-short Form14.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.39
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form23.87 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.22
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form23.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.49
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form18.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.43
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form21.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.06
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)

The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) is a 14-item instrument. Respondents indicate their experiences relating to the items on a 4-point Likert scale (rarely, occasionally, fairly often and almost always), and the total score is calculated by adding all the scores on the 14 items of the FMI. Total scores range from 14-56, with higher scores indicating higher levels of mindfulness.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)42.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.98
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)38.93 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.43
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)

The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) is a 14-item instrument. Respondents indicate their experiences relating to the items on a 4-point Likert scale (rarely, occasionally, fairly often and almost always), and the total score is calculated by adding all the scores on the 14 items of the FMI. Total scores range from 14-56, with higher scores indicating higher levels of mindfulness.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)41.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.6
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI)36.40 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.01
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) consists of 13 items assessing three components of catastrophizing: rumination, magnification, and helplessness. Each item rated on a 5-point scale: 0 (Not at all) to 4 (all the time).The PCS total score is computed by summing responses to all 13 items, with total scores ranging from 0 - 52. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)15.80 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.62
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)14.80 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.97
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) consists of 13 items assessing three components of catastrophizing: rumination, magnification, and helplessness. Each item rated on a 5-point scale: 0 (Not at all) to 4 (all the time).The PCS total score is computed by summing responses to all 13 items, with total scores ranging from 0 - 52. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)21.53 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.46
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)16.73 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.15
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety-short Form

The 7-item PROMIS Anxiety Short Form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety-short Form17.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.66
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety-short Form16.20 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.41
Secondary

Psychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form

The 7-item PROMIS Anxiety Short Form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

Time frame: 2 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
tDCS With Mindfulness-based MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form14.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.71
Sham tDCS With Sham MeditationPsychosocial Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form14.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.68

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026