Brain zaps during workouts may unlock pain relief secrets

NCT ID NCT07212829

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at why exercise often makes pain and fatigue worse for people with chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia. Researchers will test if applying a mild electrical current to the brain (tDCS) during exercise can change how pain-related genes work. 120 participants (60 with chronic pain and 60 healthy) will exercise with either real or fake tDCS to see how it affects pain, fatigue, and genetic markers.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal why exercise worsens pain in some people and point to ways to prevent that, potentially improving exercise tolerance.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to a direct therapy, and individual responses to tDCS can vary.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain fibromyalgia Motor Activity Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC WIDESPREAD PAIN FIBROMYALGIA (FM)

Contacts and locations

Locations

VUB
RECRUITING

Jette, 1090, Belgium

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