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.
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 FIBROMYALGIA 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
Locations
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital for Continuing Care
Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States