STS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Sensory Training System (STS) for use at home by people with persistent limb pain
IRAS ID
273106
Contact name
Candida McCabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Will people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) use a Sensory Training System (STS) in their own homes, in line with a recommended treatment plan?
CRPS is a chronic pain condition that is often triggered by trauma. People with CRPS have severe limb pain, respond poorly to current treatments, and their care is primarily focused on self-management. In CPRS, the ability to identify location of touch on the painful limb is commonly lost. A number of clinical studies have demonstrated this reduced sensory discrimination is associated with higher patient-reported pain and altered brain representation of the affected body part. Interventions using sensory training aim to improve sensory discrimination, and thereby reduce pain. This 16-month study investigates use of an electrical STS at home. Guided by a game-based computer training package, participants will concentrate on their limb and respond to gently buzzing electrodes positioned near to the painful area.
The aim is to collect pilot clinical data from people with CRPS to determine STS usage patterns and measure its impact on sensory discrimination and pain. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study will be carried out remotely.
Once participant eligibility is confirmed and consent received, participants will complete a short symptom-related questionnaire. Sensory discrimination will also be assessed by a friend or family member. Instructions will be provided for using the system and for completing a simple daily diary. Participants will be asked to then use the system daily for at least 30 minutes, with weekly telephone or email support. After 30 days they will complete another questionnaire at home, assess their sensory discrimination again, and post back all study materials. A researcher will contact the participant by telephone to gain feedback on their experience of the device. Individual participant involvement will be around 5 weeks.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0200
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion