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Rubio-Zarapuz A, Apolo-Arenas MD, Fernandes O, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Clemente-Suárez VJ, Parraca JA. Comparative Efficacy of Neuromodulation and Structured Exercise Program on Autonomic Modulation in Fibromyalgia Patients: Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4288. [PMID: 39124555 PMCID: PMC11313562 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread muscle and joint pain, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, and irregularities in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods: This study compared the effectiveness of neuromodulation using the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a structured exercise program in regulating ANS function in fibromyalgia patients. In this randomized, longitudinal crossover study, 10 female patients were randomly assigned to either the Suit + Exercise group or the Exercise + Suit group. Each group participated in two sessions per week for eight weeks, followed by a two-week washout period before switching to the other intervention. We measured cortical arousal, microcirculation, and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the 1st, 8th, and 16th sessions. Results: The results showed significant improvements in cortical arousal, HRV, and microcirculation with the neuromodulation treatment whereas the exercise program only produced short-term improvements in cortical arousal. Conclusion: The EXOPULSE Mollii suit exhibited cumulative benefits on ANS modulation over time, suggesting potential long-term advantages for managing fibromyalgia. However, further research is needed to explore the delayed effects of both treatments on ANS modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-Z.); (J.F.T.-A.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - María Dolores Apolo-Arenas
- Department of Medical Surgical-Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
- Research Group PhysioH, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Orlando Fernandes
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal;
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-Z.); (J.F.T.-A.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Vicente J. Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-Z.); (J.F.T.-A.); (V.J.C.-S.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Jose A. Parraca
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal;
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
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Velickovic Z, Radunovic G. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Fibromyalgia: Exploring the Necessity of Neuronavigation for Targeting New Brain Regions. J Pers Med 2024; 14:662. [PMID: 38929883 PMCID: PMC11204413 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis are among the most prevalent rheumatic conditions worldwide. Nonpharmacological interventions have gained scientific endorsements as the preferred initial treatments before resorting to pharmacological modalities. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is among the most widely researched neuromodulation techniques, though it has not yet been officially recommended for fibromyalgia. This review aims to summarize the current evidence supporting rTMS for treating various fibromyalgia symptoms. Recent findings: High-frequency rTMS directed at the primary motor cortex (M1) has the strongest support in the literature for reducing pain intensity, with new research examining its long-term effectiveness. Nonetheless, some individuals may not respond to M1-targeted rTMS, and symptoms beyond pain can be prominent. Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy of rTMS by exploring new brain targets, using innovative stimulation parameters, incorporating neuronavigation, and better identifying patients likely to benefit from this treatment. Summary: Noninvasive brain stimulation with rTMS over M1 is a well-tolerated treatment that can improve chronic pain and overall quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. However, the data are highly heterogeneous, with a limited level of evidence, posing a significant challenge to the inclusion of rTMS in official treatment guidelines. Research is ongoing to enhance its effectiveness, with future perspectives exploring its impact by targeting additional areas of the brain such as the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and inferior parietal lobe, as well as selecting the right patients who could benefit from this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Goran Radunovic
- Institute of Rheumatology, Resavska 69, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Cheng YC, Chen WY, Su MI, Tu YK, Chiu CC, Huang WL. Efficacy of neuromodulation on the treatment of fibromyalgia: A network meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 87:103-123. [PMID: 38382420 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several types of neuromodulation have been investigated for the treatment of fibromyalgia, but they show varied efficacy on pain, functioning, comorbid depression and comorbid anxiety. Whether some types of neuromodulation or some factors are associated with a better response also awaits clarification. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulation in patients with fibromyalgia. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO before March 2022. We employed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis. RESULTS Forty trials involving 1541 participants were included. Compared with sham control interventions, several types of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) were associated with significant reduction of pain, depression, anxiety, and improvement in functioning. Many significantly effective treatment options involve stimulation of the primary motor cortex or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION We concluded that several types of rTMS, tDCS and tRNS may have the potential to be applied for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, China Medical University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of Big Data and Meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yin Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Songde branch, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Min-I Su
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chiang Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Songde branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lieh Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cerebellar Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan.
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Tilbor E, Hadar A, Portnoy V, Ganor O, Braw Y, Amital H, Ablin J, Dror C, Bloch Y, Nitzan U. TMS in combination with a pain directed intervention for the treatment of fibromyalgia - A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:167-173. [PMID: 38150768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a highly prevalent condition, that causes chronic pain and severe reduction in quality of life and productivity, as well as social isolation. Despite the significant morbidity and economic burden of FMS, current treatments are scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether stimulation of ACC -mPFC activity by dTMS enhances a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. METHODS 19 FMS patients were randomised to receive either 20 sessions of dTMS or sham stimulation, each followed by a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. With the H7 HAC coil or sham stimulation, we targeted the ACC -mPFC; specific brain areas that play a central role in pain processing. Clinical response to treatment was assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (SF-MPQ), the Visual Analogue Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS DTMS treatment was safe and well tolerated by FMS patients. A significant decrease in the combined sensory and affective pain dimensions was specifically demonstrated in the dTMS cohort, as measured by the SF-MPQ (Significant group × time interaction [F(2, 32) = 3.51, p < .05,ηp2 = 0.18]; No significant changes were found in depressive symptoms in both the dTMS and sham groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a course of dTMS combined with a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention can alleviate pain symptoms in FMS patients. Beyond clinical possibilities, future studies are needed to substantiate the innovative hypothesis that it is not dTMS alone, but rather dTMS-induced plasticity of pain-related networks, that enables the efficacy of pain-directed psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Tilbor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Aviad Hadar
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Victor Portnoy
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
| | - Ori Ganor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yoram Braw
- Ariel University, Department of Psychology, 65 Ramat HaGolan Street, Ari'el, Israel.
| | - Howard Amital
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Sheba Medical Center Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Jacob Ablin
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv, 6423906, Israel.
| | - Chen Dror
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Uri Nitzan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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Cuenca-Martínez F, Sempere-Rubio N, Mollà-Casanova S, Muñoz-Gómez E, Fernández-Carnero J, Sánchez-Sabater A, Suso-Martí L. Effects of Repetitive-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: An Umbrella and Mapping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1059. [PMID: 37508991 PMCID: PMC10377383 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of repetitive-transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Methodological quality was analyzed using the AMSTAR and ROBIS scales, and the strength of evidence was established according to the guidelines advisory committee grading criteria. A total of 11 systematic reviews were included. The assessed variables were pain intensity, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and general health. RESULTS Regarding pain intensity, it seems that high-frequency rTMS significantly reduces pain intensity at a 1-month follow-up when the primary motor cortex (M1) is stimulated. However, we cannot robustly conclude the same for low-frequency protocols. When we look at the combination of high and low-frequency rTMS, there seems to be a significant effect on pain intensity up to 1-week post-intervention, but after that point of follow-up, the results are controversial. Regarding depressive symptoms and anxiety, results showed that the effects of rTMS are almost non-existent. Finally, in regard to general health, results showed that rTMS caused significant post-intervention effects in a robust way. However, the results of the follow-ups are contradictory. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained showed that high-frequency rTMS applied on the M1 showed some effect on the variable of pain intensity with a limited quality of evidence. Overall, rTMS was shown to be effective in improving general health with moderate quality of evidence. Finally, rTMS was not shown to be effective in managing depressive symptoms and anxiety with a limited to moderate quality of evidence. PROSPERO number: This review was previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391032).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Muñoz-Gómez
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Josué Fernández-Carnero
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- La Paz Hospital Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia Cognitiva, Dolor y Rehabilitación en Ciencias de la Salud (NECODOR), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Treating fibromyalgia with electrical neuromodulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 148:17-28. [PMID: 36774784 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several types of electrical neuromodulation (such as transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) have been applied in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These trials had different outcome measurements, such as subjective pain, pain threshold, depression, anxiety, and functioning. We intended to integrate data from different trials into a meta-analysis to clearly present the clinical value of electrical neuromodulation in fibromyalgia. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of all types of electrical neuromodulation in patients with fibromyalgia was conducted. The main outcome was subjective pain; the secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and functioning. RESULTS Twenty-five studies and 1061 fibromyalgia patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Active electrical neuromodulation and active tDCS both showed significant effects on subjective pain, depression, and functioning. For different anode tDCS electrode positions, only F3-F4 revealed a significant effect on depression. Meta-regression tDCS effects on depression were significantly associated with age. CONCLUSIONS Electrical neuromodulation is significantly effective in treating pain, depression, and functioning in patients with fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE The results may help clinicians to arrange effective treatment plans for patients with fibromyalgia, especially in those patients who reveal limited response to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
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Majdoub F, Ben Nessib D, Ferjani HL, Kaffel D, Triki W, Maatallah K, Hamdi W. Non-pharmacological therapies in Fibromyalgia: New horizons for physicians, new hopes for patients. Musculoskeletal Care 2023; 21:603-610. [PMID: 36757930 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterised by reduced quality of life and severe limitations in daily living activities. Considering the wide spectrum of symptoms and the ineffectiveness of a single pharmacological approach, the latest clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological therapies as both an alternative and a better-tolerated approach. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in the management of FM. AIMS Through a literature review, this paper aims to describe the different complementary therapies and investigate their potential sustainability and effectiveness on FM symptoms in the short and/or long term. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using broad search terms up to June 2022, to identify all types of study designs restricted to human subjects on non-pharmacological therapies in FM. RESULTS Recent evidence demonstrated that physical activity is the mainstay of therapeutic management, highlighting the relevance of walking as the best method of exercise in FM patients. Nevertheless, adherence to physical activity remains fraught with obstacles that could be overcome with a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of passive therapies. The effectiveness of passive non-pharmacological therapies remains however unproven in the long term. They can be therefore suggested as 'adjunct' or 'bridge' therapy to improve adherence to physical activity. CONCLUSION To conclude, FM management requires a multimodal and symptom-based approach, guided by the predominant bothersome symptom on the one hand, and the preferences of each patient on the other hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Majdoub
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Ben Nessib
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Lassoued Ferjani
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhia Kaffel
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Triki
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kaouther Maatallah
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Hamdi
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, Tunis, Tunisia
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Erdoğan ET, Küçük Z, Eskikurt G, Kurt A, Ermutlu N, Karamürsel S. Single Session Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Different Cortical Areas. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies in healthy volunteers have shown conflicting results in terms of modulation in pain thresholds. The aim of this study was to investigate how single session anodal tDCS and modulated tDCS (mtDCS) of distinct cortical areas affected pain and perception thresholds in healthy participants. Five different stimulation conditions were applied at different cortical sites to 20 healthy volunteers to investigate the effects of tDCS and mtDCS (20 Hz) on pain and perception thresholds. TDCS over the motor cortex (M1), mtDCS over the motor cortex, tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), mtDCS of the DLPFC, and mtDCS over the occipital cortex were the stimulation conditions. All of the stimulations were anodal. The stimulations were given in a randomized order at 20-minute intervals. For comparison, electrical pain and perception thresholds were obtained from the right middle finger before and during the tDCS. After each measurement, participants were asked to give a score to their pain. In repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) test, the Condition × Time interaction showed no significant influence on changes in pain, perception thresholds, and pain scores ( p = .48, p = .89, and p = .50, respectively). However, regardless of the condition types, there was a significant difference in pain and perceptual thresholds during tDCS ( p = .01, p = .025, respectively). Our findings did not support difference in pain and perception modulation by a single session anodal tDCS over M1 and DLPFC compared to the occipital cortex in healthy volunteers. The increase in all thresholds during tDCS, irrespective of conditions, and peripheral sensations, including an active control group, taken together, suggest a placebo effect of active tDCS. Future studies about pain and perception in healthy subjects should consider the level of experimental pain and a strong placebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Tuna Erdoğan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Küçük
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Literature, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçer Eskikurt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adnan Kurt
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Numan Ermutlu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sacit Karamürsel
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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