high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation
high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation: High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique based on the principle that when weak intensity electric currents are targeted on specific areas of the scalp, they cause underlying cortical stimulation. The anode increases cortical excitability, while cathode decreases cortical excitability.
Study summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on chronic low back pain and balance in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Primary hypothesis 1: Active stimulation would have greater improvement in pain and balance, reduced left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation than sham stimulation.
Primary hypothesis 2: Active stimulation would have enhanced functional connectivity than sham stimulation.
Primary hypothesis 3: The balance improvement would be related to reduced pain, decreased left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation, enhanced functional connectivity, attention, and/or executive function.
Participants will be randomly received a single-session of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (active or sham stimulation). Before and immediately after the intervention, balance (semi-tandem stance and timed up-and-go test (TUG)) and cognitive (attention and executive function) tests will be assessed.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
60 Years
Max age
85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 60-85 years;
* With non-specific chronic low back pain that has no definitive diagnosis but lasted for at least 3 months, typically occurs in the area between the lower rib margins and the buttock creases;
* With an average pain intensity over the last week to be ≥ 3 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) anchored with "no pain" at zero and "worst pain imaginable" at 10;
* Have normal cognitive function (Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 22);
* Who agree to sign an informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to ambulate without assistance from another person or tools (e.g., canes or walkers);
* Having specific causes of low back pain (e.g., spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, recent vertebral fracture, spinal infection);
* Having other acute or overt musculoskeletal conditions in other parts of the body (e.g., fractures, severe pain, multiple joint pain (e.g., knee pain));
* History of lumbar or lower extremity surgery;
* Receiving LBP treatment within the past one month or at present;
* Have never received non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial alternating current stimulation) before.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Current back-pain intensity — Before and immediately after the intervention. The current back-pain intensity will be assessed with the 11-point numerical rating scale anchored with "no pain" at zero and "worst pain imaginable" at 10.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
More The Hong Kong Polytechnic University trials in China
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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