The Added Value of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) During Exercise for People With Chronic Widespread Pain

Many people with chronic widespread pain, such as those with fibromyalgia (FM), experience increased pain and fatigue after exercise, making it difficult to stay active. However, we do not fully understand why this happens and how to prevent it. This study aims to explore how exercise affects the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene at the genetic and epigenetic levels, and whether applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during exercise can regulate BDNF expression and reduce symptom worsening in people with FM. In a randomized crossover design, 60 individuals with FM and 60 healthy controls will complete two sessions: (1) exercise with active tDCS and (2) exercise with sham tDCS. Each participant will visit the hospital twice, with at least two weeks between sessions.