Home-based tDCS and Mindfulness-based Meditation for Self-management of Clinical Pain and Symptoms

Combination Therapy of Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Mindfulness-based Meditation for Self-management of Clinical Pain and Symptoms in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether a 2 week regimen of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) can improve pain modulation, reduce clinical pain, and alleviate osteoarthritis (OA)-related symptoms in patients with knee 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:

• 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
• diminished cognitive function that would interfere with understanding study procedures (i.e., Mini-Mental Status Exam score ≤ 23)
• pregnancy or lactation
• prosthetic knee replacement or non-arthroscopic surgery to the affected knee
• hospitalization within the preceding year for psychiatric illness
• no access to a device that can be used for secure videoconferencing for real-time remote supervision.