Shocking pain away: tDCS and exercise tested for fibromyalgia
NCT ID NCT03371225
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether combining a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS with aerobic exercise could improve the body's natural pain control system in people with fibromyalgia. 116 adults with fibromyalgia received either active or sham tDCS along with exercise or a control activity for 4 weeks. The goal was to see if the combination boosted pain inhibition more than either treatment alone.
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) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment option for fibromyalgia pain that combines brain stimulation with exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed early-stage mechanistic trial, not a large-scale effectiveness study. Results may not translate to lasting pain relief for all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital for Continuing Care
Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States
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