Pain research & management
Neurofeedback for Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Control Trial Using DOMS
By Gregersen KA, Vilsøe JB, Andreis FR and 1 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity, often reflected in altered alpha activity (8-13 Hz). Neurofeedback may offer a way to modulate this activity, yet most protocols target alpha activity during rest, despite movement being a common pain trigger. This study investigated whether neurofeedback during movement could modulate alpha activity and reduce pain in healthy individuals experiencing induced pain via delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Method
This experiment was a randomized, two-armed, parallel-group trial. Twenty-nine participants were included (15 females, mean age = 28 years). Exclusions included neurological, psychiatric, MSK conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (aiming to reduce alpha activity) or a control group (aiming to increase it). Alpha activity was assessed as the alpha power during rest and movement. DOMS was induced using eccentric exercise of muscle extensor carpi radialis in Session 1. Neurofeedback was administered in Session 2, where participants underwent three blocks of neurofeedback training, using individualized EEG-based visual feedback to modulate alpha activity. Session 3 assessed potential lasting neurofeedback effects. Pain was rated across the three sessions, which took place 24-48 h apart.