Shock therapy for pain? rTMS shows promise for fibromyalgia

NCT ID NCT01308801

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding a gentle brain stimulation technique called rTMS to standard exercise therapy could reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Forty-two adults with long-term pain took part, receiving either real or fake rTMS alongside exercise for 14 weeks. Researchers measured pain levels, quality of life, and mood to see if the combination worked better than exercise alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to ease chronic pain and improve daily life for people with fibromyalgia.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 42 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect might be modest or temporary.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

fibromyalgia Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU de Grenoble

    Grenoble, Isère, 38043, France