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Pilot rTMS Trial for Knee Arthritis Pain and Depression

This study is a pilot trial looking at repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and depression. rTMS uses a device to deliver magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. The study aims to see if rTMS is practical and safe for patients, and if they will stick with the treatment. You may be able to join if you are 50 to 95 years old, have chronic pain for at least 6 months, and meet criteria for knee OA. The study is currently enrolling 30 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized pilot study involving 30 participants. It uses a sham-controlled design, meaning some participants will receive a treatment that feels similar but doesn't deliver actual magnetic pulses.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study measures adherence, feasibility, and safety at 12 weeks (after 30 treatments).

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

NCT06906939

A Randomized Pilot rTMS Trial for Knee Arthritis Pain and Depression

Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 50–95InterventionalTreatment
University of California, Los Angeles
~30 participants
Updated 2026-07-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:repetetive transcranial magnetic stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Adherence
Measured over 12 weeks (30 treatments
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis
Depression

Explore related trials

DepressionOsteoarthritis of knee

NCT06906939

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.

  • UCLA Semel Institute - Neuropsychiatric Institute (NPI)

    Los Angeles, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

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

Helen Lavretsky, MD, MS
[email protected]
310-794-4619
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

• Age 50 or years older.
Chronic pain as indicated by complaints of pain in one or more body regions for 6 months or more. Participants who meet at least one of the following criteria for Osteoarthritis (OA)
Fulfills the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for symptomatic knee OA and had radiographic evidence of tibiofemoral or patellofemoral OA (defined as the presence of a definite osteophyte in the tibiofemoral compartment and/or the patellofemoral compartment.
Knee pain for \>- 3 months and on most days of the past month
Patient PROMIS Pain Interference score \>=40 (100 mm VAS);
Access to computer or device for telehealth delivery;
Able to walk without cane or assistance.
Psychological distress expressed as depression: Persistent depressive symptomatology (Beck Depression Inventory)\>20 in two consecutive screenings within 2-3 weeks.
Willingness to complete the 3-month study, including twice-a-week Tai Chi sessions and rTMS, with additional 6 and 12 month follow up
Approval to participate in program by patient's primary care provider or another member of their medical team (e.g. cardiologist).
Ability to pass the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) administered in the telephone screening.
Internet access \>No contraindications to rTMS

Exclusion

• Change in psychotropic or pain medication during the past four months. This will minimize the amount of symptom change due to medication alterations.
A current diagnosis of mania, hypomania, unstable bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder or a history of psychosis, as noted in electronic medical record.
Dementia, neurological disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, renal disease, liver disease, or other serious medical conditions limiting ability to participate in the Tai Chi or Exercise programs, as determined by primary care physicians.
No current medical conditions that limit ability to participate safely in moderate exercise.
Meets criteria for alcohol or drug dependence within the past three months.
Currently practicing Tai Chi

What this trial measures

  • Adherence12 weeks (30 treatments

    The number of sessions attended by each participant (attendance rate \>80% is considered feasible).

  • Feasibility12 weeks

    The number of dropouts in each group

  • Safety12 weeks

    The number of adverse events and side-effects