The StoPain Trial
What is the research study about?
Chronic neuropathic pain can be a debilitating secondary condition for persons with spinal cord injury and effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments remain elusive. Drawing on our discoveries that identified the key role of electrical brain activity in the development of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury, we have developed a novel brain-machine interface treatment that targets the abnormal brain activity associated with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. This new treatment targets disruption in brain activity via EEG neurofeedback. Specifically, the electrical brain activity is monitored, processed, and provided back to participants in real-time via visual feedback in a gaming environment. Using this feedback, individuals can learn to regulate their brain activity in a way that reduces their pain.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) will shortly be recruiting for a trial investigating a novel brain-computer interface treatment to decrease nerve pain after spinal cord injury.
What does the research involve?
Each trial participant will receive 30-minute daily sessions of the electrical brain intervention for 20 days over a 4-week period. The electrical brain activity treatment incorporates an interactive gaming interface (i.e. “NeuroGame”), and a neuromodulation protocol that teaches individuals to learn how to regulate their brain activity in a way that reduces their nerve pain. This trial has received funding from the Australian Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
If you are interested in finding out more about this upcoming trial, please complete the form.
