Brain waves vs. belly pain: neurofeedback tested for IBD-related discomfort

NCT ID NCT07473076

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether neurofeedback — a type of brain training using real-time brainwave feedback — can reduce musculoskeletal pain in people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Eighty adults with IBD and persistent pain will be randomly assigned to either 8 sessions of neurofeedback or standard psychological care. The main goal is to see if pain intensity drops more with neurofeedback.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: neurofeedback therapy (alpha/theta training)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage chronic pain in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 80 participants. The placebo group gets standard psychological care, so any benefit over that may be small. Pain is subjective, and results may not apply to everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia inflammatory bowel disease Musculoskeletal Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.