Efficacy of combining home-based transcranial direct current stimulation with mindfulness-based meditation for pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of home-based tDCS paired with mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Results Summary
Active tDCS paired with MBM significantly reduced clinical pain and OA symptoms, increased pressure pain thresholds, and improved conditioned pain modulation. Participants tolerated the treatment well without serious adverse effects and reported high satisfaction.
Population
Older adults (50-85 years) with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
Effective Dosage
20 minutes of active MBM paired with 2 mA tDCS, daily for 10 sessions.
Duration
10 days
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) | decrease | pain | - | - | has been shown to be effective for reducing | #1 |
mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) | decrease | pain | - | - | shows the potential analgesic effects | #2 |
home-based tDCS paired with MBM | decrease | Numeric Rating Scale | older adults with knee OA | - | significantly reduced scores on | #3 |
home-based tDCS paired with MBM | decrease | Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index | older adults with knee OA | - | significantly reduced scores on | #4 |
home-based tDCS paired with MBM | increase | pressure pain thresholds | older adults with knee OA | - | increased | #5 |
home-based tDCS paired with MBM | increase | conditioned pain modulation | older adults with knee OA | - | increased | #6 |
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to be effective for reducing pain, and a growing body of literature shows the potential analgesic effects of mindfulness-based meditation (MBM). However, few studies have investigated the potential benefits associated with combining tDCS and MBM in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of home-based tDCS paired with MBM in older adults with knee OA. Thirty participants 50-85 years old with symptomatic knee OA were randomly assigned to receive 10 daily sessions of home-based 2 mA tDCS paired with active MBM for 20 min (n = 15) or sham tDCS paired with sham MBM (n = 15). We measured clinical pain and OA symptoms via a Numeric Rating Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Pressure pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation were measured using quantitative sensory testing. Participant satisfaction and side effects were assessed via a questionnaire. Active tDCS paired with active MBM significantly reduced scores on the Numeric Rating Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and increased pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation. Participants tolerated tDCS paired with MBM well without serious adverse effects and were satisfied with the treatment. Our findings demonstrate promising clinical efficacy of home-based tDCS paired with MBM for older adults with knee OA.