EMG Biofeedback Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain, Cancer Pain and Migraines

Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Migraine (Adult)

Headaches

Mastectomy

Treatment

JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback for Lower Back Pain

JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback for Migraine

JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback for Persistent Post Mastectomy Pain

Clinical Study ID

NCT04607460
2020P003158
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of this pilot efficacy study is to examine the effects of EMG-biofeedback (EMG-BF) on pain-related outcomes in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) patients, Recent mastectomy and lumpectomy patients, and patients with episodic migraine.

EMG-BF facilitates neuromuscular retraining and muscle relaxation by using audio and visual stimuli using an EMG surface electrode-based biosensor and a software installed on a tablet or smart phone.

For this pilot efficacy study, we will recruit 125 patients with chronic low back pain, 125 patients who are expected to undergo mastectomy and 80 patients with episodic migraine. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback device or treatment as usual control group.

Patients assigned to the intervention group will be asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, pain intensity, negative affect, physical function, pain catastrophizing and sleep, will undergo QST and will be asked to wear Actiwatches to keep track of health behaviors, prior to and after completing the intervention. The intervention consists of weekly sessions during which participants will be instructed on how to use the device by a trained biofeedback instructor.

Patients in the control group will undergo sensory testing procedures at baseline and after treatment period but will receive no active treatment.

The aims of this study are to examine the impact of EMG-BF on pain and QST and the impact of EMG-BF on psychosocial function. We hypothesize that patients that will undergo the EMG-BF will demonstrate reductions in pain, physical functioning, sleep, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Low Back Pain

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18-65 years old;

  • Chronic Low Back Pain as seen on medical history for at least 6 months but no longerthan 10 years;

  • A minimum score of >3 on pain visual analog scale (VAS) at the start of experimentalsessions;

  • are able to speak and understand English, and (6) have access to a computer ortablet at home and have an email address.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Lower back surgery within previous twelve (12) months;

  • Comorbid chronic pain condition that is rated by the subject as more painful thanCLBP

  • Pain condition requiring urgent surgery;

  • Females who are pregnant;

  • Subjects with a severe visual or hearing impairment;

  • Evidence of non-mechanical contributing cause for lower back pain e.g. neoplasm,infection, fracture, inflammatory disorder incl. acute osteomyelitis or acute bonedisease;

  • Subjects currently under active cancer treatment (chemo, infusion, ongoingradiation);

  • Implanted medical device (spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal pump or peripheralnerve stimulator);

  • Medical condition known to influence QST or participation in the EMG intervention

  • (e.g. HIV, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome);

  • Present or past serious psychiatric condition (e.g. Schizophrenia, delusionaldisorder,

  • psychotic disorder, or dissociative disorder) or any psychiatric condition thatrequired hospitalization the past year and that would be judged to interfere withstudy participation.

  • Active addiction disorder, such as cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interferewith

  • study participation,

  • Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia

  • Significant medical abnormalities or conditions that in the opinion of thePractitioner

  • would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or the evaluation ofthe investigational device's safety and efficacy.

  • Recent history of a significant medical-surgical intervention that in the judgmentof the

  • Practitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or theevaluation of the investigative device's safety and efficacy.

  • Known allergic skin reaction to tapes and plasters.

  • Subject who is currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study.

Chronic Cancer Pain

Inclusion criteria:

  • Female

  • Aged 18-65 years old

  • Recent bodily pain complaints with a minimum score of >1 on pain visual analog scale (VAS) at the start of experimental sessions;

  • Scheduled for breast biopsy

  • Willingness to undergo psychophysical and psychosocial testing

  • Willingness to participate in long-term follow-up are able to speak and understandEnglish, and (8) have access to a computer or tablet at home and have an emailaddress.

Exclusion criteria:

  • Pregnant

  • Present or past serious psychiatric condition (e.g. Schizophrenia, delusionaldisorder, psychotic disorder, or dissociative disorder) or any psychiatric conditionthat required hospitalization the past year and that would be judged to interferewith study participation.

  • Pain condition requiring urgent surgery;

  • Subjects with a severe visual or hearing impairment;

  • Implanted medical device (spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal pump or peripheralnerve stimulator);

  • Medical condition known to influence QST or participation in the EMG intervention (e.g. HIV, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome);

  • Active addiction disorder, such as cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interferewith study participation,

  • Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia

  • Significant medical abnormalities or conditions that in the opinion of thePractitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or theevaluation of the investigational device's safety and efficacy.

  • Recent history of a significant medical-surgical intervention that in the judgmentof the Practitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study orthe evaluation of the investigative device's safety and efficacy.

  • Known allergic skin reaction to tapes and plasters.

  • Subject who is currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study.

Migraine Pain

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Women ages 18-65

  • Diagnosis of episodic migraine (with or without aura) (International Classificationof Headache Disorders-II)(15)

  • 4-14 days with migraine in the last month

  • No change in the type of prophylactic and psychiatric medication used within thelast 3 months

  • Greater than one year of migraines (self-reported)

  • Agreeable to participate, commit to all study procedures, and to be randomized toeither group

  • Fluent in English (required to complete self-report instruments)

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any unstable medical (e.g. neurodegenerative conditions) or psychiatric conditions (e.g. psychosis) requiring immediate treatment or that could lead to difficultycomplying with the protocol

  • Active suicidal ideation (assessed by the clinician during initial screening)

  • Moderate or severe level of depression (exclude if score on PHQ-2 is greater than orequal to 3)

  • Psychiatric hospitalization within the past year (self-reported)

  • Comorbid acute or chronic pain condition that is rated by the subject as morepainful than migraine

  • Begins new migraine treatment during the study period

  • Inability to complete study visits

  • Medical condition known to influence QST or participation in the EMG intervention (e.g. HIV, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome);

  • Active addiction disorder, such as cocaine or IV heroin use, that would interferewith study participation,

  • Significant medical abnormalities or conditions that in the opinion of thePractitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study or theevaluation of the investigational device's safety and efficacy.

  • Recent history of a significant medical-surgical intervention that in the judgmentof the Practitioner would interfere either with the ability to complete the study orthe evaluation of the investigative device's safety and efficacy.

  • Known allergic skin reaction to tapes and plasters.

  • Subject who is currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study.

Study Design

Total Participants: 330
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: JOGO Digital Therapeutics EMG Biofeedback for Lower Back Pain
Phase:
Study Start date:
December 03, 2020
Estimated Completion Date:
December 30, 2023

Study Description

Biofeedback can be described as "operant conditioning of physiological activity", by which "the patient learns to self-regulate his or her physiological processes with the help of feedback information", and can comprise different sites, modalities, and procedures. Biofeedback instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature and rapidly and accurately provide feedback information to the user. There are various aims biofeedback can target, e.g., developing more awareness or control for physiological processes and thus, consciously reducing muscle tension. Previous research has shown findings of higher baseline muscle activation and abnormal EMG as a response to stress in chronic back pain patients.

Studies using biofeedback for the treatment of chronic back pain have shown inconsistent results and it is difficult to draw conclusions based on previous studies due to variability in sample size and characteristics, biofeedback modality, treatment conditions, and control groups. Thus, the effectiveness of biofeedback in reducing the symptomatology of back pain patients remains unclear. The investigators therefore are planning to conduct this pilot efficacy study, to examine the effects of EMG-biofeedback (EMG-BF) on pain-related outcomes in a cohort of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) patients.

This randomized clinical trial has two study arms. Participants in the first arm will receive the experimental condition (EMG-Bf) and those in the second will continue their usual care and serve as a control group. Both groups will be asked to complete self-report questionnaires before their first visit and after the last visit at 8 weeks. Further, both groups will undergo Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) before their first visit and after the last visit at 8 weeks. The specific aims of this study are to examine the impact of EMG-BF on pain intensity and sensitivity and on physical functioning, sleep, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression. We will not modify pain medication regimens in any of the trial arms and no pain medication prescriptions will be issued by the research team at any time.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Experimental Condition:

This study will include 2 in-person office visits separated by 8 virtual therapy sessions. During the in-person visits, participants will undergo sensory testing procedures described below. On visit 1 a member of the research staff will train patients on the basic functionality of the EMG-BF device. Virtual sessions 1-8 will be held via Partners Healthcare Secure Zoom. During these, participants will receive guided EMG biofeedback intervention with a therapist and will be instructed to use the device at home.

Home practice will be monitored via electronic practice logs recorded on REDcap. Patients will be trained to relax their muscles under the guidance of a doctorate level therapist by monitoring progress through virtual feedback in the form of graph.

Treatment as Usual: Patients in this group will undergo sensory testing procedures described below at baseline and after 8 weeks but will receive no active treatment.

Chronic Cancer Pain

Experimental Condition:

This study will include 2 in-person office visits separated by 2 weekly virtual therapy sessions before and 2 virtual therapy sessions after their scheduled mastectomy as well as a period of 3 months after their procedure. During the in-person visits, participants will undergo sensory testing procedures described below. On visit 1 a member of the research staff will train patients on the basic functionality of the EMG-BF device. Virtual sessions 1 and 2 will be held via Partners Healthcare Secure Zoom ahead of their scheduled mastectomy and sessions 3 and 4 will be held after. During these, participants will receive guided EMG biofeedback intervention with a therapist and will be instructed to use the device at home.

Home practice will be monitored via electronic practice logs recorded on REDcap. Patients will be trained to relax their muscles under the guidance of a doctorate level therapist by monitoring progress through virtual feedback in the form of graph.

Treatment as Usual: Patients in this group will undergo sensory testing procedures described below at baseline and 3 months after their mastectomy but will receive no active treatment.

Migraine Pain

Experimental Condition:

This study will include 2 in-person office visits separated by 6 virtual therapy sessions. During the in-person visits, participants will undergo sensory testing procedures described below. On visit 1 a member of the research staff will train patients on the basic functionality of the EMG-BF device. Virtual sessions 1-6 will be held via Partners Healthcare Secure Zoom. During these, participants will receive guided EMG biofeedback intervention with a therapist and will be instructed to use the device at home.

Home practice will be monitored via electronic practice logs recorded on REDcap. Patients will be trained to relax their muscles under the guidance of a doctorate level therapist by monitoring progress through virtual feedback in the form of graph.

Treatment as Usual: Patients in this group will undergo sensory testing procedures described below at baseline and after 6 weeks but will receive no active treatment.

  1. EMG-Biofeedback EMG-BF facilitates neuromuscular retraining and muscle relaxation by using audio and visual stimuli using an EMG surface electrode-based biosensor and a software installed on a tablet or smart phone. During the weekly sessions participants will be instructed on how to use the device by a trained biofeedback instructor. Further, in each session participants will have the opportunity to discuss possible difficulties/obstacles/progress using the device. Each session will additionally include relaxation techniques (such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation). Sessions are estimated to last 40-45 minutes.

Standardized Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) QST is a non-invasive method for measuring pain sensitivity and pain modulation. Our QST testing protocol will measure mechanical pain sensitivity (pain threshold). This protocol has been used in various studies the investigators have conducted in the past. During the psychophysical testing procedures, participants will be informed that they may terminate the procedure at any time. The intensity of pain stimulation will be determined for each subject individually to minimize potential for tissue damage. The methods used have been thoroughly tested and validated for the study of experimental pain. All subjects will be examined during the study to document the presence or absence of tissue injury at the sites of noxious stimulation. If there is any evidence that the protocol causes more than minor, reversible bruising or sensitization, the protocol will be amended to decrease the frequency and/or intensity of the noxious stimuli. Outcome monitoring and adverse events will all be reported through appropriate channels of the Human Studies Committee.

Connect with a study center

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Chestnut Hill 4932957, Massachusetts 6254926 02467
    United States

    Site Not Available

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