Home-based EEG Neurofeedback for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pain Management
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Chronic pain affects millions globally, necessitating effective treatment options.
• Electroencephalography neurofeedback (EEG NFB) is a potential non-pharmacological intervention.
• Previous research on EEG NFB for chronic pain lacks robust, sham-controlled trials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if active-EEG NFB, added to usual care, is superior to sham-EEG NFB for chronic pain.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of active-EEG NFB compared to a sham control.
• To investigate the impact of alpha EEG NFB on pain intensity and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A parallel, 2-arm, blinded, randomized controlled superiority trial.
• 116 participants with chronic pain were randomized to active-EEG NFB or sham-EEG NFB plus usual care.
• Interventions involved ≥32 sessions targeting relative alpha power over C4, with per-protocol analyses.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between active-EEG NFB and sham-EEG NFB for the primary outcome (pain intensity).
• Approximately 44% of participants in both groups reported clinically important pain reduction.
• Adverse events were similar and not serious between groups; post hoc analysis suggested a partially active sham.

Conclusions:

• Active-EEG NFB was not superior to the sham control intervention for chronic pain in this trial.
• A substantial proportion of participants experienced pain relief in both groups, possibly due to the partially active sham.
• The EEG NFB intervention was safe, with no significant adverse events, and may inform future trial designs.