Cerebral Mechanisms of ACT Therapy for Neuropathic Pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cerebral Mechanisms of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Neuropathic Pain: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Neuroimaging Trial
IRAS ID
275775
Contact name
Christopher Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 23 days
Research summary
The therapeutic use of a psychological intervention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for neuropathic pain is relatively new area of research that is in need of further development, especially with regard to the underlying cognitive neuroscience and brain mechanisms responsible for effective treatment. We aim to provide a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of an ACT treatment on neuropathic pain through a blind, randomized-controlled neuroimaging trial against standard medical care (SMC). The primary aim of the study is to establish feasibility and acceptability, while the secondary aims are to investigate cognitive and brain changes before and after treatment. Our research will comprise two types of study design: Cross-sectional clinical study, and ACT feasibility randomized controlled trial. Outcome variables and measures for the current trial correspond recommendations by (Hann & McCracken, 2014) and are guided by general recommendations of core outcome measures for chronic pain clinical trials: OMERACT (Choy & Mease, 2009), IMMPACT (Dworkin, et al., 2005) and the existing literature on PDN implicating other relevant assessments (De Groot et al., 2001; Kitty Kioskli, Scott, et al., 2019). Mechanistic assessments will include neuropsychological testing, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). The research is being led by Hanaa Alonezi under the supervision of Dr Christopher Brown, with supervision of the implementation of the ACT treatment by Dr Ross White. The research will be sponsored by University of Liverpool.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0132
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion