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AzTrials

Fibromyalgia (FM)FIBROSTIMNCT07203339

Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Compared to Duloxetine: Non-inferiority Clinical Trial (FIBROSTIM)

A study testing Duloxetine (60 mg) once daily, Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation and Duloxetine 60 mg in people with Fibromyalgia (FM) and tDCS, run by Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre at 1 site in Brazil.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and psychocognitive alterations, compromising quality of life and leading to absenteeism and early retirement. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Fibromyalgia (FM), tDCS, Duloxetine
What is being tested?
Duloxetine (60 mg) once daily, Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation and Duloxetine 60 mg
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
610 participants
Where
1 siteBrazil
Study dates
30 Sep 2025to Dec 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Woman aged between 18 and 75 years
  • Right-handed
  • Literate in reading and writing
  • Clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010-2016 criteria
  • Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) score ≥ 4 on most days in the past 30 days
  • Agree no changes in medication dosage during the treatment period (except for analgesics)
  • Able to swallow tablets
  • Able to understand instructions for using tDCS at home

Who cannot join

  • Living more than 250 km from Porto Alegre
  • Pregnancy
  • Decompensated systemic diseases
  • Chronic inflammatory rheumatologic diseases
  • Untreated hypothyroidism
  • Active cancer under treatment
Show all 15Show fewer
  • Alcohol or drug abuse in the past 6 months
  • Decompensated psychiatric disorders with suicide risk and a defined plan
  • Use of duloxetine at a dose > 60 mg/day
  • Metal implants in the brain
  • Implanted brain medical devices
  • Cardiac pacemaker
  • Cochlear implant
  • Neurological disorders
  • History of traumatic brain injury or neurosurgery

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

WOLNEI CAUMO, MD, PhD contact

55 51 3359 6377

wcaumo@hcpa.edu.br

Brazil1 site, 1 recruiting

  • Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre

    Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

    Wolnei Caumo, 55 51 3359 6377, wcaumo@hcpa.edu.br

    Recruiting

Other trials in Brazil

About this study

Official title: Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Compared to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: a Randomized Non-inferiority Clinical Trial (FIBROSTIM)

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and psychocognitive alterations, compromising quality of life and leading to absenteeism and early retirement. Up to 70% of patients discontinue treatment with antidepressants and anticonvulsants due to adverse effects or low efficacy, and more than 30% resort to opioid use. Given the treatment challenges and the scarcity of safe alternatives, there is growing interest in interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which has shown efficacy in improving symptoms and functionality, with low cost and few side effects. In this context, we designed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial to compare the non-inferiority of 28 home-based anodal tDCS (2 mA) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) versus duloxetine 60 mg. Both treatments will be combined with physical exercise and pain education. Outcomes will be assessed through multidimensional measures of pain, functionality, global impression of improvement, and the function of the descending pain inhibitory system. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, depressive symptoms, psychophysical pain measures, and treatment adherence. An additional analysis will compare the results of sham tDCS and duloxetine placebo within the non-inferiority model. Predictors of treatment response will also be explored, including symptom severity and oscillatory patterns of cortical electrical activity, rest-activity rhythm, and autonomic function assessed by R-R interval. Furthermore, serum levels of S100-B protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and genetic variants related to neuroplasticity in the BDNF Val66Met, Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) (rs4680) (G>A), OPRM1, and PER2 genes will be analyzed. Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein) and serum endorphins will also be assessed. A total of 610 women with fibromyalgia (aged 18 to 75 years) will be randomized into three groups (2:2:1): duloxetine + sham tDCS (n=244); active tDCS + placebo (n=244); and sham tDCS + placebo (n=122). Participants will be assessed during treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after completing the intervention protocol. An interim analysis will be conducted when ~50% of participants (n ≈ 305) complete the 3-month follow-up by an independent, blinded Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). (i) The trial may be stopped if the conditional probability of demonstrating non-inferiority is <10%, based on frequentist or Bayesian methods. (i) The trial will be stopped if serious adverse events (SAEs) in the active tDCS group increase by ≥30% compared to duloxetine (p < 0.01, adjusted). (ii) Early stopping for efficacy will be considered if active tDCS demonstrates clear non-inferiority or superiority over duloxetine on the primary outcome. Superiority requires: (iii) a clinically relevant difference exceeding the non-inferiority margin (≥10% pain reduction); (ii) statistical significance (p < 0.005, O'Brien-Fleming adjusted); and (iii) a ≥2-point (20%) improvement on the BPI, confirmed in the ITT analysis. This study aims to generate evidence to support the decision-making process of the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC) regarding the availability of tDCS in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). In addition, identifying predictors of response to tDCS and duloxetine, through the integration of genetic, neurophysiological, inflammatory, and psychosocial markers using machine learning algorithms, will allow for identifying factors that can personalize fibromyalgia treatment. This approach enhances clinical efficacy, reduces costs associated with ineffective interventions, and supports more accurate therapeutic decisions, expanding access to safe, effective, and sustainable care within the public healthcare system

Being tested
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus placebo., Duloxetine (60 mg) once daily, Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation, Duloxetine 60 mg
Keywords
Fibromyalgia, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, Duloxetine, Biomarkers, Precision Medicine
Medical subject headings
Fibromyalgia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus placebo.Device

    Participants will be randomized to receive 28 sessions of active anodal tDCS (2 mA) or sham, with the anode over the left M1 and the cathode over the right supraorbital area, for 20 minutes, combined with pain neuroscience education and physical exercises. Sessions will be self-administered at home, daily for 4 weeks. Electrodes (35 cm²) will be placed using neoprene caps (sizes S to XL), adjusted according to head circumference. Monitoring: the device records session time, duration, and adherence, interrupting the session if impedance exceeds 1 mA (5-second interval) or if current varies >10%. Developed in partnership with HCPA's Biomedical Engineering, the device is licensed by UFRGS/HCPA and registered with ANVISA (No. 80079190028).

  • Duloxetine (60 mg) once dailyDrug

    Duloxetine (30 mg and 60 mg) will be purchased from a commercial pharmacy and fractionated by a compounding pharmacy, which will also prepare the placebo. Capsules will be transferred into standardized jars based on dosing schedule:

    • Jar 01 (white cap): 7 capsules of 30 mg
    • Jar 02 (green cap): 16 capsules of 60 mg
    • Jar 03 (green cap): 42 capsules of 60 mg
    • Jar 04 (white cap): 7 capsules of 30 mg Placebo and duloxetine capsules will be identical in appearance. Kits will be labeled with CAEE number, participant ID (RedCap), pharmacist and PI names, and storage/use instructions. Kits will be stored at the HCPA Pharmacy Service under controlled conditions and dispensed during visits AV1 (Jars 1 and 2), AV2 (Jar 3), and AV3 (Jar 4).

  • Home-based transcranial direct current stimulationDevice

    Participants will be randomized to receive 28 sessions of active anodal tDCS (2 mA) anode over the left M1 and the cathode over the right supraorbital area, for 20 minutes

  • Duloxetine 60 mgDrug

    Duloxetine (30 mg and 60 mg) will be purchased from a commercial pharmacy and fractionated by a compounding pharmacy, which will also prepare the placebo. Capsules will be transferred into standardized jars based on dosing schedule:

    • Jar 01 (white cap): 7 capsules of 30 mg
    • Jar 02 (green cap): 16 capsules of 60 mg
    • Jar 03 (green cap): 42 capsules of 60 mg
    • Jar 04 (white cap): 7 capsules of 30 mg Placebo and duloxetine capsules will be identical in appearance. Kits will be labeled with CAEE number, participant ID (RedCap), pharmacist and PI names, and storage/use instructions. Kits will be stored at the HCPA Pharmacy Service under controlled conditions and dispensed during visits AV1 (Jars 1 and 2), AV2 (Jar 3), and AV3 (Jar 4).
Study groups in NCT07203339
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
(s-tDCS over M1+placebo medication) - Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Sham comparatorThe sham tDCS protocol will use the same electrode montage as the active tDCS, with active current delivered for 30 seconds at the beginning, after 10 minutes, and at the end of the session. The current will be applied using 35 cm² electrodes.
Receives: Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus placebo.; Device: Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation
The study includes 28 sessions of home-based anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)ExperimentalActive anodal tDCS (2 mA) or sham tDCS will be applied over the left M1 (anode) and the right supraorbital area (cathode) for 20 minutes, combined with physical exercises and educational guidance on pain neuroscience for fibromyalgia. After in-person training, participants will receive instructions for home use.
Receives: Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus placebo.; Device: Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation
Duloxetine 60 mgActive comparatorThe pharmacological intervention will use duloxetine (30 mg and 60 mg), commercially acquired. The medication and placebo will be sourced via contracts with a compounding pharmacy and a retail drugstore. Generic Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Germed) will be purchased and sent for fractioning and placebo preparation. Each participant will receive a kit with four jars (duloxetine or placebo): Jar 01 (white lid): 7 × 30 mg - Week 1 (run-in); Jar 02 (green lid): 16 × 60 mg - Weeks 2-3 (run-in); Jar 03 (green lid): 42 × 60 mg - During tDCS; Jar 04 (white lid): 7 × 30 mg - Post-treatment taper.
Receives: Drug: Duloxetine (60 mg) once daily; Drug: Duloxetine 60 mg

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Evaluation of Pain Interference

    The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) assesses pain intensity and interference across seven domains, generating a global interference index using 0-10 scales.

    Measured: Participants will undergo weekly home-based assessments during both the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7), as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of the intervention

  2. Patient Global Impression of Improvement

    Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I): A 7-point scale that assesses the patient's overall perception of change in their condition, ranging from 'very much worse' (1) to 'very much improved' (7). Higher scores indicate greater perceived improvement (e.g., reduced symptoms or better functioning), while lower scores reflect worsening of symptoms or condition.

    Measured: To be assessed at Visit 4, after completing the four-week treatment with either active (a-tDCS), s-tDCS), or duloxetine

  3. Impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on quality of life

    Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ): Brazilian version assessing quality of life across function, overall impact, and symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater impact of fibromyalgia on the individual's daily life and functioning.

    Measured: Participants will be assessed at Visit 1 (prior to the run-in period), at Visit 4 (after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine), and again at 3, 6, and 12 months following the end of the treatment.

  4. Cognitive symptoms

    Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Short Form).Each item is rated on a Likert scale from 1 (never or rarely) to 4 (very often), resulting in a total score range of 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater executive functioning impairment

    Measured: Participants will be assessed at Visit 1 (before the run-in period), at Visit 4 (after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine), and again at 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of the treatment.

  5. Function of the descending pain inhibitory system

    Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) test: This test assesses descending pain inhibition.

    This test assesses the efficiency of descending pain inhibitory pathways. Pain intensity is rated using a verbal numerical rating scale (0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain) before (T0) and during (T1) cold-water immersion. The CPM effect is calculated as the difference between pain ratings at T0 and T1, with greater reductions indicating more effective pain inhibition.

    Measured: Participants will be assessed at Visit 1 (before the run-in period) and at Visit 4 (after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine).

  6. Cortical Electrical Activity

    Cortical electrical activity will be assessed using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Recordings will be performed in a quiet room, with participants seated comfortably and instructed to remain relaxed and still. EEG data will be collected during eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions using a 64-channel EEG system. Signals will be recorded with a band-pass filter of 0.3-200 Hz and a sampling rate of 250 Hz. Spectral power measures will be analyzed to characterize cortical oscillatory activity associated with pain processing and central sensitization in fibromyalgia.

    Measured: Participants will be assessed at Visit 1 (before the run-in period) and at Visit 4 (after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine).

Secondary outcomes (18)

  1. Depressive Symptoms

    Assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), a 21-item self-report questionnaire with total scores ranging from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine); 3 months post-treatment; 6 months post-treatment; 12 months post-treatment.

  2. Subjective Sleep Quality

    Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-questionnaire that evaluates sleep quality over the past month. It generates a global score ranging from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine); 3 months post-treatment; 6 months post-treatment; 12 months post-treatment.

  3. Circadian Profile (Chronotype)

    Chronotype will be measured using the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ) which evaluates individual sleep-wake patterns and chronotype based on the timing of sleep on workdays and free days. The key metric is the mid-sleep point on free days (MSF), which is based on sleep onset and wake-up times. The corrected version (MSFsc) accounts for workweek sleep debt and better reflects chronotype: lower values indicate morning types; higher values, evening types.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine); 3 months post-treatment; 6 months post-treatment; 12 months post-treatment.

  4. Objective Sleep and Activity (Actigraphy)

    Actigraphy (accelerometer) assesses sleep quality and physical mobility. Mean values are calculated across days for parameters such as total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and activity levels. Higher sleep efficiency and activity indicate better sleep quality and physical functioning; lower values suggest disturbances or impairment.

    Measured: Actigraph use during the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and throughout the treatment phase (weeks 4 to 7)

  5. Analgesic Use

    The use of analgesics will be assessed by recording the number of tablets of each analgesic taken per week during the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and throughout the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7)

    Measured: Analgesic use during the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and throughout the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7).

  6. Functional Capacity

    Functional interference of pain is assessed using the Brazilian Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (B-PCP: S), which captures pain intensity, interference in daily life, and emotional impact. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater pain-related interference and effects.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine); 3 months post-treatment; 6 months post-treatment; 12 months post-treatment.

  7. Heat Pain Threshold

    Heat pain threshold will be assessed via quantitative sensory testing (QST) on the left forearm using a thermode that increases temperature from 30°C to 52°C at a rate of 1°C per second. The pain threshold is calculated as the average temperature at which pain is first reported across three trials. Higher values indicate greater pain threshold.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  8. Pressure Pain Threshold

    Pressure pain threshold will be measured using a pressure algometer applied to the left forearm. The threshold is defined as the point at which pressure sensation becomes painful, averaged across three trials. Higher values indicate lower pain sensitivity.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  9. Cold Pressor Test Pain Intensity

    Cold Pressor Test: Non-dominant hand immersed in ice water (~1°C) for up to 2 minutes with continuous movement. Pain intensity is continuously rated via electronic visual analog scale (0-100%), enabling calculation of peak pain, mean pain, and area under the curve (AUC).allowing calculation of peak pain, mean pain, and area under the curve (AUC). Higher scores reflect greater pain intensity.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  10. Patient-Defined Goals

    Patients will select three priority areas-physical, psychological, functional, or social-and define personalized, measurable goals at Visit 1 (V1) and evaluate them at the end of the treatment period (Visit 4).

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  11. Treatment Adherence

    tDCS adherence: Assessed by the number and duration of valid sessions recorded by the device software, based on impedance and resistance parameters.

    Pharmacological treatment adherence:

    Assessed by pill count at Visit 3 and Visit 4, based on the number of capsules consumed

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  12. Side Effects

    The adverse effects of duloxetine will be assessed weekly throughout the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and during the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7) using structured questionnaires that include common side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and somnolence, which will be recorded as 'yes' or 'no'. Adverse effects related to tDCS-such as tingling, itching, burning, or headache-will be assessed weekly during the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7), also using 'yes' or 'no' responses.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: During the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and throughout the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7).

  13. Satisfaction with Treatment

    Assessed using the Numeric Satisfaction with Treatment Scale (NSTS), ranging from 0 (not at all satisfied) to 10 (extremely satisfied).

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  14. Global Cognitive Function (MoCA)

    Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a screening tool for global cognition. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. A score below 26 is suggestive of cognitive impairment

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  15. Attention and Working Memory (Digit Span - WAIS-III)

    Attention and working memory will be assessed using the Digit Span subtest of the WAIS-III. The total score is based on correct forward and backward digit recall, with higher scores indicating better performance.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  16. Processing Speed (Symbol Search - WAIS-III)

    Processing speed will be assessed using the Symbol Search subtest of the WAIS-III. The outcome is a scaled score ranging from 1 to 19, with higher scores indicating faster processing.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  17. Inhibitory Control (Stop Signal Task)

    Inhibitory control will be assessed using the Stop Signal Task. The primary outcome is Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT), measured in milliseconds. Lower reaction times indicate better inhibitory control.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

  18. Cognitive Flexibility (Trail Making Test A and B)

    Executive function and cognitive flexibility will be assessed using the Trail Making Test Parts A and B. The outcome is total time to completion in seconds. Longer completion times indicate worse performance.

    Measured: Assessment timepoints: Baseline; Week 8 (Visit 4/after completing the four-week treatment with active [a-tDCS], sham [s-tDCS], or duloxetine)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted2 Oct 2025
  2. Study start30 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completionDec 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Factorial
Model description
Arm 1: Duloxetine + Sham tDCS (n = 244) Duloxetine 60 mg/day plus 28 sessions of sham tDCS (30s stimulation at start, 10 min, and end), with electrodes placed over left M1 (anode) and right supraorbital area (cathode), using 35 cm² electrodes. Sessions are home-based, 20 minutes/day for 4 weeks. Arm 2: Active tDCS + Placebo (n = 244) Active tDCS (2 mA, 20 minutes/day for 4 weeks) using the same montage, plus oral placebo. Sessions are home-based following in-person training. The device monitors contact impedance and logs session data. Arm 3: Sham tDCS + Placebo (n = 122) Sham tDCS and oral placebo, using the same procedures as above. Common to all arms: All participants receive home-based physical exercise guidance and pain neuroscience education. Duloxetine and matching placebo (30 mg and 60 mg) are prepared and labeled by a compounding pharmacy using a double-dummy design. Medication kits follow a titration and tapering schedule and are dispensed at study visits.
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
610 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07203339
Sponsor's protocol ID
85778525.8.0000.5327
Acronym
FIBROSTIM
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
4 Jun 2025
Last updated
6 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Data will be available upon request at wcaumo@hcpa.edu.br after 6 months of publication Data available: Yes. When available: With publication. Data types: Deidentified participant data, Data dictionary. Additional Information Who can access the data: Anyone requesting the data. Types of analyses: For any purpose. Mechanisms of data availability: Without investigator support.

Publications

  • Yousefi Soorani L, Shafiei Bafti B, Homam SM, Abbasloo Z, Taghizadeh Zanooghi H. Hypogene enrichment in Miduk porphyry copper ore deposit, Iran. Sci Rep. 2022 Nov 9;12(1):19133. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-23501-5.

    PubMed 36352022

  • Jornada MND, Antunes LC, Alves C, Torres ILS, Fregni F, S Sanches PR, P Silva D Jr, Caumo W. Impact of multiple-session home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (M-HB-tDCS) on eating behavior in fibromyalgia: A factorial randomized clinical trial. Brain Stimul. 2024 Mar-Apr;17(2):152-162. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.001. Epub 2024 Feb 8.

    PubMed 38336340

  • Fregni F, El-Hagrassy MM, Pacheco-Barrios K, Carvalho S, Leite J, Simis M, Brunelin J, Nakamura-Palacios EM, Marangolo P, Venkatasubramanian G, San-Juan D, Caumo W, Bikson M, Brunoni AR; Neuromodulation Center Working Group. Evidence-Based Guidelines and Secondary Meta-Analysis for the Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2021 Apr 21;24(4):256-313. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa051.

    PubMed 32710772

  • Caumo W, Lopes Ramos R, Vicuna Serrano P, da Silveira Alves CF, Medeiros L, Ramalho L, Tomeddi R, Bruck S, Boher L, Sanches PRS, Silva DP Jr, Ls Torres I, Fregni F. Efficacy of Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Primary Motor Cortex and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in the Disability Due to Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Factorial Sham-Randomized Clinical Study. J Pain. 2024 Feb;25(2):376-392. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.09.001. Epub 2023 Sep 7.

    PubMed 37689323

  • Caumo W, Deitos A, Carvalho S, Leite J, Carvalho F, Dussan-Sarria JA, Lopes Tarrago Mda G, Souza A, Torres IL, Fregni F. Motor Cortex Excitability and BDNF Levels in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain According to Structural Pathology. Front Hum Neurosci. 2016 Jul 15;10:357. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00357. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27471458

  • Caumo W, Alves RL, Vicuna P, Alves CFDS, Ramalho L, Sanches PRS, Silva DP, da Silva Torres IL, Fregni F. Impact of Bifrontal Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Pain Catastrophizing and Disability due to Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study. J Pain. 2022 Apr;23(4):641-656. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.11.002. Epub 2021 Nov 13.

    PubMed 34785366

  • Brietzke AP, Zortea M, Carvalho F, Sanches PRS, Silva DPJ, Torres ILDS, Fregni F, Caumo W. Large Treatment Effect With Extended Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Fibromyalgia: A Proof of Concept Sham-Randomized Clinical Study. J Pain. 2020 Jan-Feb;21(1-2):212-224. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.06.013. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

    PubMed 31356985

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Duloxetine (60 mg) once daily, Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation and Duloxetine 60 mg in people with Fibromyalgia (FM) and tDCS, run by Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre at 1 site in Brazil.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact WOLNEI CAUMO, MD, PhD (55 51 3359 6377, wcaumo@hcpa.edu.br), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Evaluation of Pain Interference (time frame: Participants will undergo weekly home-based assessments during both the run-in period (Weeks 1 to 3) and the treatment phase (Weeks 4 to 7), as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of the intervention). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07203339, which also lists 7 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jan 2026.

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