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ReActiv8 Stimulation Therapy vs. Optimal Medical Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial for the Treatment of
Christopher Gilligan1, Diane Burnside2, Lisa Grant2
1Division of Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. cgilligan@bwh.harvard.edu.
Pain and Therapy
|February 14, 2023
Summary
Restorative neurostimulation may improve chronic low back pain and disability. This trial compares it to optimal medical management in patients with persistent pain and multifidus dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a global health issue, causing significant disability.
- Restorative neurostimulation has shown promise for refractory CLBP with multifidus muscle dysfunction.
- Previous studies indicate safety and clinical benefits of this treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare restorative neurostimulation plus optimal medical management against optimal medical management alone.
- To test if adding restorative neurostimulation improves back pain-related disability.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing two groups: optimal medical management vs. optimal medical management plus ReActiv8® restorative neurostimulation.
- Inclusion criteria: persistent back pain and disability for over 6 months.
- Patient-reported outcomes collected for 1 year, with continued follow-up.
Main Results:
- NCT04803214 is the registration number for this clinical trial.
- The trial is designed to assess the efficacy of restorative neurostimulation.
- Data collection is ongoing, with primary endpoint at 1 year.
Conclusions:
- The study aims to provide direct comparison data for restorative neurostimulation in CLBP.
- Results will inform clinical practice regarding neurostimulation for back pain.
- Further analysis will determine the long-term impact and patient benefits.

