Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-Based Feedback for Chronic Pain Management
Pain, Chronic
About this trial
This is an interventional diagnostic trial for Pain, Chronic focused on measuring Brain Computer Interface, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Chronic Pain
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Only English speaking participants are recruited.
Participants who are healthy controls need to meet the following inclusion criteria:
- Not suffering from any active pain condition
- Without any known disease
- Not on any long- term medication or health supplements AND
- Able to complete a digital self-report questionnaire in English without need for translation.
Participants who have either low back pain or lower limb pain need to meet the following inclusion criteria:
- Diagnosed to have musculoskeletal low back pain OR lower limb pain lasting for > 3 months.
- Not currently on any active therapy (Example: physiotherapy, stabilisation exercise therapy) or medication EXCEPT simple analgesics (Paracetamol, Paracetamol/Orphenadrine, Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Tramadol).
- Able to complete a digital self-report questionnaire without need for translation.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants are excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Pregnant or lactating.
- History of drug or alcohol abuse
- History of significant moderate to severe systemic disease including a confirmed diagnosis or current investigation for neoplasm, immunological condition involving musculo-skeletal system; active liver, heart and or renal failure; respiratory diseases needing supplementary oxygen or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine and any other conditions that make it improbable to engage in physical movements.
- History of psychiatric condition- in particular a psychiatric diagnosis meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V (DSM-V) criteria for major depression, anxiety, phobias or any other conditions that make it improbable to engage in physical movements.
- History of back surgery and surgery involving the joints and bones of the lower limbs, such as knee and hip replacement surgery.
- Spine or lower limb pain that has not been medically stabilised.
- History of previous injuries to the head and/or brain, including but not limited to epilepsy, skull defects or cranioplasty
- Ongoing compensation claims or litigation.
Sites / Locations
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Pain Management Clinic
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
EEG-based BCI analysis of fear avoidance
All participants complete two experiments one after another-EEG patterns, skin conductance and pulse rate are recorded. The EEG cap is mounted on the participant's head, the GSR sensor secured on the fingers and the PPG sensor secured on the wrist using a Velcro strap. Exp 1-participants watch a series of 15, 1 min videos of people doing daily activities. Exp 2-participants do 15 movements (15 reps each in 1 min) as guided by a physiotherapist. 2 identical buzzers (labelled "lesser pain" and "more pain") are available to press accordingly should participants experience 'lesser' or 'more' pain any time during the experiment. If 'more' pain experienced, participants' condition will be assessed and they can choose to continue the experiment at a lower intensity or stop.