Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on emotional aspects of lower back pain

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K01530
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Kio University
• Principal Investigator: Maeoka Hiroshi 畿央大学, 健康科学部, 准教授 (00454801)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 痛みの情動的側面 / 慢性腰痛 / 経頭蓋直流電気刺激

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We demonstrated the interventional efficacy of trust relationship with the subject with pain, emotionally-evocative images, and affect labeling on the emotional aspects of pain including brain function. In addition, we showed the possibility that the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation differed depending on the severity of chronic lower back pain; the stimulation of the right primary motor area reduced anxiety, and that of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduced intensity of lower back pain and anxiety in them, suggesting the possibility that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is involved in the reduction of sensory and emotional aspects of pain. Our present study indicated the possibility that the effective site of the interventions differed depending on the severity of chronic lower back pain. Therefore, further study may be necessary to examine the efficacy of the interventions in patients with varying severity of pain.

Free Research Field

疼痛学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性腰痛者の痛みの情動的側面に対する治療法やメカニズムは十分検討されておらず、痛み治療の中でも特に遅れている領域である。今回、痛みの情動的側面に対する治療において、恐怖、嫌悪感、不快といった否定的感情に関与する島皮質の関与が示唆された。また、慢性腰痛者に対する経頭蓋直流電気刺激では、有効性が認められた脳刺激部位が複数あり、腰痛の強度が治療部位に影響を与えている可能性も示されたことは、痛みに対するニューロリハビリテーションの効果や戦略に関する基礎的データの蓄積になり、その意義は大きいと考える。