Brain Stimulation and Meditation for Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Mindfulness for Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of combined transcranial direct current stimulation and mindfulness for pain after total knee arthroplasty

The project is to assess the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of self-administered preoperative tDCS+MBI in older adults (50+) undergoing TKR. And to determine the effects of 5, 20-minute preoperative self-administered tDCS sessions combined with brief MBI on analgesic medication consumption following TKR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elective unilateral knee total replacement
• mentally capable of reading, giving consent and following instructions
• being able to answer questions in English
• not pregnant

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
• current use of sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers and NMDS receptor antagonists
• 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