NCT06157866 · Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Cognitive Training to Enhance Brain Concordance During Acupuncture
What this study is about
This study will evaluate the impact of a novel non-pharmacological multimodal therapy, a type of approach known to improve pain outcomes and recommended by the Institute of Medicine report for chronic pain management. This study design will also allow the investigators to evaluate a neural model supporting therapeutic alliance for pain outcomes for fibromyalgia.
View original scientific description
This study will evaluate the impact of a novel non-pharmacological multimodal therapy, a type of approach known to improve pain outcomes and recommended by the Institute of Medicine report for chronic pain management. This study design will also allow the investigators to evaluate a neural model supporting therapeutic alliance for pain outcomes for fibromyalgia.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Meet traditional American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM as well as the more recent Wolfe et al 2011 criteria
- Are on stable doses of medication for 30 days prior to entering the study and agree not to change medications or dosages during the trial
- Ability to fully understand and consent to study procedures
- Baseline pain intensity of at least 4/10
- Pain duration of at least 6 months
Exclusion criteria
- Any longer period of work experience involving pain treatment, pain rehabilitation etc.
- Presence of any illness that is judged to interfere with the trial. For example: psychiatric disorder according to the DSM-IV manual
- Presence of any contraindications to fMRI scanning. For example: cardiac pacemaker, metal implants, fear of closed spaces, pregnancy.
- History of significant head injury
- Inability to respond accurately to the pain-relieving intervention in the behavioral part of the experiment, indicating a lack of response to the expectancy manipulation. If the healthy volunteer or clinician is not a responder to the behavioral expectancy induction he or she will be excluded.
- Unwillingness to receive brief experimental pain.
- Leg pain or health issues that may interfere with the study procedures.
- Comorbid acute pain condition
- Comorbid chronic pain condition that is rated by the subject as more painful than fibromyalgia
- Current use of opioid analgesics
- Concurrent inflammatory or autoimmune disease
- Documented peripheral neuropathy
- Any psychiatric disorder involving a history of psychosis (e. g schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe personality disorders)
- History of anxiety disorders or significant anxiety symptoms interfering with fMRI procedures (e.g., panic)
- Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months
- Unwillingness to withhold from consuming marijuana 12 hours prior to scans
- Unwillingness to withhold from consuming nicotine 4 hours prior to scans
- Any impairment, activity or situation that in the judgment of the Study Coordinator or Principal Investigator would prevent satisfactory completion of the study protocol.
- Is an actual clinical patient of the clinician subject
- Recent history of formal meditation-based training
Where
- Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations