Scientists scan brains to unravel why effort hurts in chronic fatigue
NCT ID NCT06472622
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses functional MRI to see how the brain processes unpleasant sensations like pain and physical effort in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) compared to healthy volunteers. Researchers will apply mild heat and ask participants to squeeze a bar while scanning their brains. The goal is to identify which brain regions are linked to the feeling of unpleasantness, which may help explain symptoms of ME/CFS.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could help explain why people with ME/CFS find pain and effort more unpleasant, potentially guiding future treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (47 people) focused on measuring brain activity, not testing a treatment. It may not lead to direct benefits for patients.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FATIGUE SYNDROME, CHRONIC are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••