Self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation for pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study
Martorella et al, 2022. Brain Stimulation.
A randomized clinical study on the feasibility and efficacy of home-based self-administered tDCS in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
One hundred twenty participants aged 50-85 years with knee OA pain were randomly assigned to receive fifteen daily sessions of 2 mA tDCS for 20 min (n=60) or sham tDCS (n=60) over 3 weeks with remote supervision via telehealth.
Clinical pain intensity was measured by the Numeric Rating Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Data on the tDCS experience was also collected via a questionnaire.
Active tDCS significantly reduced pain intensity compared to sham tDCS after completing the fifteen daily sessions (Cohen’s d=1.20; p-value < 0.0001). Participants showed high levels of satisfaction with their tDCS experience. No adverse events were reported.
Home-based self-administered tDCS is feasible and reduces clinical pain intensity in older adults with knee OA, which can increase its accessibility.