Remote Gamified Sensory Perceptual Training for Patients With Fibromyalgia: a Feasibility Trial

Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome characterized by central sensitization, and hypersensitivity to nociceptive stimuli. In people with fibromyalgia, objective measures of sensory perception are often impaired. For example, somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds are elevated, and this correlates with increased widespread pain and severity of other symptoms including fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive symptoms, somatic symptoms and decreased functional status. Sensory-Cognitive training may reduce symptoms by improving attentional modulation of somatosensory signals, improving precision of sensory discrimination, and altering affective processing of somatosensation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the TrainPain program as a somatosensory therapy for people with fibromyalgia.. This study plans to enroll 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have been experiencing chronic pain with an NRS rating of 4/10 for at least 3 months. All participants who agree to participate in this study will answer a set of baseline questionnaires (PEG, FAS) about their symptoms at the time of inclusion. Participants will also receive the device, and view a demonstration of how to use the technology. The technology consists of two components; (1) an application downloaded to the participants' smartphone and (2) two vibrational devices to be placed on the body of the participant, connected to the application via bluetooth. Participants will use this technology once daily for 28 days. Participants will complete a 15 minute sensory training session using the provided technology; additionally, participants will receive daily text messages to promote pain self-management, and program adherence. Participants will also complete the PEG questionnaire once weekly. After 28 days study team members will conduct a virtual follow-up visit. In that visit, participants will complete the same questionnaires as at baseline (PEG, FAS), as well as a question on their perception of clinical change (PGIC). Participants will also be asked to complete the system usability scale and provide a net promoter score. Finally, participants will complete a subjective feedback questionnaire where they will rate whether participating in this program was time well spent and enjoyable. The primary aim is to determine the feasibility of at-home somatosensorial training for people with fibromyalgia. The secondary aim is to survey participants' subjective report of clinical change after this.

Inclusion criteria

• Ages between 18 and 65 at consent
• Chronic pain ( at least 3 months)
• Minimum average pain of 4 in the NRS

Exclusion criteria

• Not able to comprehend English written language
• Chronic skin disease or topical allergies that would be worsened by the use of sensor tape
• Severe psychiatric disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire)