Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Light Bulb Stimuli to Reduce Chronic Pain
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
This pilot randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of chromatic (colored) light exposure for reducing pain severity and pain sensitivity in adults with fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain and fatigue. Participants will complete daily symptom surveys throughout the study and undergo patient-reported outcome assessments and quantitative sensory testing at multiple timepoints. Participants will be randomized to receive either S-cone stimulating chromatic light or equal-energy white light for 2 hours daily over a 7-day treatment period. Following a 1-week washout, participants will cross over to the alternate condition. Outcomes will examine feasibility, changes in pain severity, pain interference, and measures of pain sensitivity. Total study duration is approximately 35 days.
Official title: Chromatic Retinal Stimulation to Reduce Chronic Pain and Pain Sensitivity Using Light Bulbs: A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-09-21
Completion Date
2028-01-01
Last Updated
2026-09-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
S-Cone Stimulating Chromatic Light
Participants receive exposure to S-cone stimulating chromatic light delivered via programmed TUO light bulbs. Light is administered for 2 hours daily for 7 consecutive days, ideally between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.. Participants use the light in their home environment while engaging in normal daily activities. Light intensity is maintained at a minimum of twice the ambient room illumination using an illuminometer provided by the study. This intervention is designed to selectively stimulate short-wavelength-sensitive (S-cone) photoreceptors.
Equal-Energy White Light
Participants receive exposure to a light that appears equal-energy white that flickers along the L/M axis delivered via programmed TUO light bulbs. Light is administered for 2 hours daily for 7 consecutive days, ideally between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Participants use the light in their home environment while engaging in normal daily activities. Light intensity is maintained at a minimum of twice the ambient room illumination using an illuminometer provided by the study. This intervention serves as the control condition for comparison with the S-cone stimulating chromatic light intervention.
Locations (1)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States