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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Physical Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain

This study is investigating a new way to treat chronic (long-lasting) knee pain. It combines transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation device, with individualized physical therapy. Researchers believe tDCS may help by affecting how your brain processes pain. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older and have had knee pain for at least three months. However, you cannot participate if you've had surgery on your affected knee, are pregnant, or have certain skin conditions. The study aims to see how well this combined treatment reduces pain and improves walking ability. This study plans to enroll 30 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 30 participants. It combines two treatments: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and individualized physical therapy.
What's involved
Participants will have follow-up sessions throughout the study, which is expected to last an average of one year. These sessions will involve pain assessments and a two-minute walk test.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain will be measured at baseline and at every follow-up session through study completion, which is an average of one year. Your walking ability will be measured at baseline and at your final intervention session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06132412

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Conjunction With Individualized Physical Therapy for Individuals With Chronic Knee Pain

Active, Not Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of Illinois at Chicago
~30 participants
Updated 2026-05-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:transcranial direct current stimulationphysical therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Recruitment ratio
Measured over through study completion, an average of 1 year
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Knee Pain Chronic

Explore related trials

Pain of joint of knee

NCT06132412

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Illinois Hospital

    Chicago, Illinoisno site contact published

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age \>/= 18 years old
Knee pain
Knee pain duration \>/= 3 months

Exclusion

History of surgery on affected knee
Pregnant
Skin hypersensitivity
History of contact dermatitis
Any other skin or scalp condition that could be aggravated by tDCS
Previous adverse reactions to tDCS

What this trial measures

  • Recruitment ratiothrough study completion, an average of 1 year

    We will record the number of patients screened and enrolled in the study.

  • Pain (NPRS)baseline, every follow-up session through study completion

    This will be measured subjectively using the Numeric Pain rating scale (NPRS). The PT or key research personnel with ask the participant their pain rating using a 0-10 scale. They will ask the current pain intensity rating, highest and lowest pain intensity rating in the past 2 week period.

  • Two-minute walk test (2MWT)baseline, at final intervention session

    Distance walked, number of rest breaks and the assistive device(s) used during a 2MWT will be measured. From this test walking speed can also be calculated.