Working Memory Training for Chronic Neuropathic and Fibromyalgia Pain

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Working Memory Deficits; Neuropathic Pain; Fibromyalgia
• Interventions: Behavioral: Internet use; Behavioral: Working Memory Training

• Registration Number: NCT02824588
• Lead Sponsor: Oslo University Hospital

Brief Summary

The goal of this project is to investigate and improve executive control function in two distinct pain conditions, namely neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia (FM). It is hypothesized that there is a significant difference in the executive control function of patients with neuropathic pain and FM pain. It is also hypothesized that all participants with poor executive control functioning will report significant improvements in pain intensity, functioning and cognitive complaints following cognitive training. The study tests and influence the working memory concepts of inhibition, updating and flexibility through an experimental, cross-over treatment design.

To perform the experiment, we will recruit 160 participants (80 with neuropathic pain and 80 with FM) from the Departments of pain management and research at St Olav's University Hospital and Oslo University Hospital (OUS). The proposed design will be able to determine whether or not executive control, processing speed and memory function differs in two distinct populations of pain patients. Moreover, whether impairments are amended by computerized training.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2016-06-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-07-01
• Study First Posted: 2016-07-06
• Study Start: 2016-09
• Status Verified: 2018-09
• Primary Completion: 2018-09-02
• Study Completion: 2018-09-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-09-02
• Last Update Posted: 2018-09-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 82

Inclusion Criteria

• Confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain
• Confirmed objective cognitive impairments on the CANTAB battery compared to IQ control

Exclusion Criteria

• Mania, suicidal ideation and/or active psychosis
• No objective cognitive impairments
• Personality disorders
• Pregnancy

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Control	Internet use	Internet use
Intervention	Working Memory Training	Working Memory Training

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Objective neuropsychological tests	36 weeks	CANTAB test battery

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Sleep duration, quality and awakening	36 weeks	Actigraphy
Quality of life	36 weeks	EQ-5D
Medication use	36 weeks	Registered analgetic usage
Self-reported memory and concentration impairments	36 weeks	Everyday Memory Questionnaire
Pain intensity	36 weeks	VAS scale
Stress regulation	36 weeks	Hair cortisol
Symptoms of depression	36 weeks	Hopkins symptom checklist
Self-reported cognitive intrusion	36 weeks	Questionnaire

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Oslo University Hospital; 🇳🇴 Oslo, Norway