Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Yoga for Knee Osteoarthritis

What this study is about

People with knee arthritis often experience constant pain, and current treatments aren't very effective. This can lead to limited movement and more health problems. Knee arthritis is a big part of healthcare costs in Canada, and its pain is a major reason people see doctors. The pain is linked to complex nervous system changes, making current treatments, like exercise, not very successful. To address this, researchers suggest a new approach combining two things: a brain stimulation technique called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and yoga. TDCS helps with pain by changing how the brain works, and yoga, a safe practice, focuses on overall well-being. Together, the investigators aim to improve how the nervous system works from top to bottom. The research project wants to change how the arthritis pain is being managed by focusing on how it works. The investigators plan to test this combo in a study comparing real tDCS plus yoga with fake tDCS plus yoga. The investigators will look not only at pain but also at other measures related to pain and how the nervous system works. This new mix could be a meaningful way to reduce pain for people with knee arthritis.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• community dwelling adults from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Hamilton and London, Ontario fulfilling the NICE criteria for KOA
• ≥45 years of age
• Diagnosis of Knee osteoarthritis OR
• Having movement-related joint pain with either no morning knee stiffness or stiffness of 30 minutes or less AND
• Experiencing an average pain intensity of ≥3 /10 in the past month

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Systemic inflammatory arthritis.
• Any knee injection in the past 3 months.
• Inability to independently get up and down from the floor.
• Lower limb trauma or surgery within the last 6 months.
• Current participation in another OA clinical trial.
• Use of mobility aids.
• Currently receiving care for KOA pain (e.g., physiotherapy).
• Planned absences exceeding 1 week.
• Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) such as neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions.
• History of brain surgery or tumor.
• Metallic implants.
• Epilepsy or history of substance abuse or dependence.
• Cochlear or ocular implant.
• Presence of a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator.
• Eczema on the scalp.

Where this trial is running

• McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
• Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Who to contact

Lisa Carlesso, PhD · 2896805640 · carlesl@mcmaster.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06228573.