Self-Administered Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Self-Administered Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase II Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA)

Inclusion Criteria:

• have symptomatic knee OA based on American College of Rheumatology Clinical criteria
• have had knee OA pain in the past 3 months with an average of at least 30 on a 0-100 NRS for pain
• can speak and read English
• have no plan to change medication regimens for pain throughout the trial

Exclusion Criteria:

• prosthetic knee replacement or nonarthroscopic surgery to the affected knee
• history of brain surgery, brain tumor, seizure, stroke or intracranial metal implantation
• systemic rheumatic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia
• alcohol/substance abuse
• current use of sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers and NMDS receptor antagonists
• diminished cognitive function that would interfere with understanding study procedures(i.e., Mini-Mental Status Exam score ≤ 23)
• pregnancy or lactation
• hospitalization within the preceding year for psychiatric illness
• no access to a device with internet access that can be used for secure videoconferencing for real-time remote supervision