Cognitive Training to Enhance Brain-to-brain Concordance During Acupuncture
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Summary
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.
Description
The patient-clinician interaction is central to most therapies and is supported by key interpersonal mechanisms of action such as clinician empathy, therapeutic alliance, and trust. However, the neural underpinnings of this effect are mostly unknown. The investigators' recently published study applied functional MRI (fMRI) hyperscanning (i.e. simultaneously neuroimaging chronic pain patients and clinicians in synchronized MRI scanners) demonstrated that brain-to-brain concordance in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) is up-regulated following a clinical interaction and associated with patient…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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…
Interventions
- OtherElectroacupuncture
During the treatment sessions the acupuncturist will insert needles in several locations aimed to reduce the patient's fibromyalgia pain. A low-amplitude, sub-sensory electrical current will be activated by the acupuncturist.
- BehavioralCognitive Training
Cognitive training with a pain specialist.
- BehavioralEducation Training
Education training with a pain specialist.
Locations (3)
- Massachusetts General HospitalCharlestown, Massachusetts
- Spaulding Rehabilitation HospitalCharlestown, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's HospitalChestnut Hill, Massachusetts