EMG Biofeedback Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain, Cancer Pain and Migraines

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Chronic Low-back Pain, Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Migraine

In brief

The purpose of this pilot efficacy study is to examine the effects of EMG-biofeedback (EMG-BF) on pain-related outcomes in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) patients, Recent mastectomy and lumpectomy patients, and patients with episodic migraine. EMG-BF facilitates neuromuscular retraining and muscle relaxation by using audio and visual stimuli using an EMG surface electrode-based biosensor and a software installed on a tablet or smart phone. For this pilot efficacy study, we will recruit 125 patients with chronic low back pain, 125 patients who are expected to undergo mastectomy and 80 patients with episodic migraine. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback device or treatment as usual control group. Patients assigned to the intervention group will be asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, pain intensity, negative affect, physical function, pain catastrophizing and sleep, will undergo QST and will be asked to wear Actiwatches to keep track of health behaviors, prior to and after completing the intervention. The intervention consists of weekly sessions during which participants will be instructed on how to use the device by a trained biofeedback instructor. Patients in the control group will undergo sensory testing procedures at baseline and after treatment period but will receive no active treatment. The aims of this study are to examine the impact of EMG-BF on pain and QST and the impact of EMG-BF on psychosocial function. We hypothesize that patients that will undergo the EMG-BF will demonstrate reductions in pain, physical functioning, sleep, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04607460

Run by

Brigham and Women's Hospital

People needed

330

Starts

2020-12-03

Expected to finish

2023-12-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18-65 years old;
• Chronic Low Back Pain as seen on medical history for at least 6 months but no longer than 10 years;
• A minimum score of >3 on pain visual analog scale (VAS) at the start of experimental sessions;
• are able to speak and understand English, and (6) have access to a computer or tablet at home and have an email address.

You may not qualify if…

• Lower back surgery within previous twelve (12) months;
• Comorbid chronic pain condition that is rated by the subject as more painful than CLBP
• Pain condition requiring urgent surgery;
• Females who are pregnant;
• Subjects with a severe visual or hearing impairment;
• Evidence of non-mechanical contributing cause for lower back pain e.g. neoplasm, infection, fracture, inflammatory disorder incl. acute osteomyelitis or acute bone disease;
• Subjects currently under active cancer treatment (chemo, infusion, ongoing radiation);
• Implanted medical device (spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal pump or peripheral nerve stimulator);
• Medical condition known to influence QST or participation in the EMG intervention
• (e.g. HIV, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome);
• Present or past serious psychiatric condition (e.g. Schizophrenia, delusional disorder,
• psychotic disorder, or dissociative disorder) or any psychiatric condition that required hospitalization the past year and that would be judged to interfere with study participation.
• Active addiction disorder, such as cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interfere with
• study participation,
• Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
• Significant medical abnormalities or conditions that in the opinion of the Practitioner
• would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or the evaluation of the investigational device's safety and efficacy.
• Recent history of a significant medical-surgical intervention that in the judgment of the
• Practitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or the evaluation of the investigative device's safety and efficacy.
• Known allergic skin reaction to tapes and plasters.
• Subject who is currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study.
• Chronic Cancer Pain
• Inclusion criteria:
• Female
• Aged 18-65 years old

Where it is running

• Brigham and Women's Hospital — Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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