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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Neurotherapy of fibromyalgia?
David V Nelson1, Robert M Bennett, Andre Barkhuizen
1Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA. nelsondv@shsu.edu
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.)
|July 14, 2010
Summary
The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) showed no significant difference compared to placebo for fibromyalgia symptoms. Further research is needed to explore LENS as a complementary therapy for fibromyalgia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
- Current treatments offer limited relief, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS), a novel electroencephalograph biofeedback method using electromagnetic stimulation, for alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 34 FM patients.
- Intervention consisted of 22 sessions of active or sham LENS treatment.
- Outcomes included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, tender points, sensory testing, and self-reported symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Both active and sham LENS groups showed improvements in primary and secondary outcomes, with no significant between-group differences.
- Individual symptom improvements over sessions were observed only in the active LENS group.
Conclusions:
- LENS is not recommended as a standalone treatment for fibromyalgia.
- Further investigation into LENS's synergistic effects with other therapies for FM is warranted.
