Clinical Research Directory

Dietary Strategies for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia in Overweight and Obese Patients

Spontaneous, non-sponsored, interventional, controlled, randomized, parallel-arm clinical study. Primary objective To assess the impact of specific dietary approaches (ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, or Mediterranean diet supplemented with GABA-producing probiotics, e.g., Bifidobacterium adolescentis PRL2019) on fibromyalgia (FM) severity-particularly pain, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression-using validated questionnaires in female patients with FM and overweight/class I obesity. Secondary objectives * Evaluate effects on anthropometric measures, metabolic profile, and body composition. * Assess changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolomic analysis. * Measure neurosteroids with positive allosteric activity on GABA-A or NMDA receptors in saliva and/or plasma. * Exploratory pilot sub-study to quantify brain GABA and glutamate levels through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in a subset of patients. Methods Participants will be recruited from the Rheumatology Unit outpatient clinics of IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital (Genoa). Eligible subjects will be adult women with FM and overweight/obesity, selected through protocol-defined criteria. Enrollment requires written informed consent. At enrollment (baseline), participants will complete validated questionnaires assessing FM severity (pain, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, bowel function). Data collection will include sociodemographic information, Mediterranean diet adherence through PREDIMED questionnaire, basal metabolic rate, medical and dietary history, smoking status, blood pressure, and recent laboratory results. Stool, blood, and saliva samples will be collected for routine tests, metabolomics, and ELISA-based measurement of neuroactive steroids like cortisol, progesterone, DHEA. Within 7 days T1, results will be reviewed and eligible participants randomized to one of three groups: hypocaloric ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, or Mediterranean diet plus probiotics. Individualized dietary plans will be provided with written and verbal instructions. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio) and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis BIA will be recorded at T0, T4, T8, and T12, together with biological sample collection. Pilot MRS sub-study A subset of participants will undergo brain GABA and glutamate assessment through MRI spectroscopy performed on a 3T Siemens - Prisma magnet at the baseline, before dietary treatment and after 4 weeks. Results will be compared with spectra from control subjects screened through medical history to exclude relevant diseases.

Dose Response of Exercise for Arthritis Management

The purpose of the study is to see examine the effects of 3 different levels of physical activity (45 minutes/week, 90 minutes/week, or 150 minutes/week) on arthritis symptoms.

Effects of a Isokinetic Exercise in Women With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and functional impairment, which significantly affects quality of life. Physical exercise is considered one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for the management of this condition; however, uncertainty remains regarding the most appropriate type, intensity, and frequency of exercise for different patient profiles. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a microdoses isokinetic exercise program on physical condition, perceived pain, inflammatory profile and quality of life in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

The Effect of Fermented Grape Juice Consumption on Fibromyalgia Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a traditional grape-based fermented drink called hardaliye helps treat fibromyalgia in adult women. We will also learn whether adding hardaliye to a personalized nutrition plan works better than using either one alone. The main questions are: Does diet + hardaliye improve antioxidant status and lower oxidative stress more than diet only or hardaliye only? Does diet + hardaliye lower inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP) and raise SIRT1 levels? Do these changes relate to less pain and better symptoms (fibromyalgia impact, gut symptoms, sleep, mood)? Are there benefits for weight, waist size, blood pressure, and blood lipids? How the groups are compared: Researchers will compare three groups for 8 weeks: Diet + Hardaliye (personalized medical nutrition plan + one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye daily) Diet only (personalized medical nutrition plan) Hardaliye only (usual diet + one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye daily) Participants will: Drink one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye each day if assigned to Diet + Hardaliye or Hardaliye only Follow a personalized nutrition plan if assigned to Diet + Hardaliye or Diet only Visit the clinic at the start and end of the study, with brief check-ins around weeks 2, 4, and 6 Give blood samples before and after the 8-week period Complete short questionnaires on pain, fibromyalgia impact, gut symptoms, sleep, and mood Keep simple logs of daily drink intake and diet plan adherence, and report any side effects Who can join: Adult women (20-40 years) with doctor-diagnosed fibromyalgia and BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² who meet the study's health and medication criteria.

Personalized Ultrasonic Brain Stimulation for Fibromyalgia

The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate a new kind of noninvasive brain stimulation intervention using the investigational ultrasound device, which might be useful for treating fibromyalgia. The device is for investigational use only and is not yet approved by the FDA for the intended use. * Participants will be asked to visit the study center 7 times for in-person assessment and treatment sessions. In addition, participants will be asked to complete an online assessment 7 times. During in-person or online visits: * Participants will undergo an MRI scan twice during the first and last in-person visit (1 hour each) The second MRI may be optional. * There will be 6 treatment sessions (45 minutes each) within a 2-week period * The online assessment occurs (15 minutes each) * two consecutive days before the first treatment session * 15 days after the first treatment session * 22 days after the first treatment session * 29 days after the first treatment session * 44 days after the first treatment session * 60 days after the first treatment session

Unhide® Project: A Digital Health Platform to Collect Lifestyle Data for Brain Inflammation Research

The unhide® Project is a non-interventional, longitudinal research study designed to establish a secure data repository of demographic, health, and lifestyle information from individuals with brain inflammation and related neuroinflammatory conditions. Participants in the United States aged 2 years and older will provide self-reported health data, biometrics, and symptom diaries through the MyDataHelps™ app (branded as unhide® for this study). The goal is to create comprehensive longitudinal profiles to facilitate research into disease subtypes, causes, diagnostics, and potential treatments, as well as to identify potential participants for future optional studies. "Healthy" individuals without brain inflammation are also eligible to participate. The digital health research platform used in this study was originally developed and designed by Solve M.E and was called SolveTogether. The Brain Inflammation Collaborative (BIC) expanded upon Solve M.E.'s work to include related diagnoses, pediatric participants, enhance symptom tracking, and more. BIC and Solve M.E. combined Solve Together and unhide®, to create The unhide® Solve Together Unified Platform in 2025.

Between Paws and Affections - Impact of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Fibromyalgia Patients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and medium-term maintenance of a structured dog-assisted therapy (DAT) protocol, "Entre Patas e Afetos" (Between Paws and Affections), in reducing pain, anxiety and depressive symptoms and in improving functional status and quality of life in Portuguese patients with fibromyalgia (FM) followed at ULS Alto Ave, with systematic outcome assessment in the immediate post intervention phase (T2), 6-month follow-up (T3) and 12-month follow-up (T4).

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

Many people with chronic widespread pain (CWP) feel more pain and fatigue after exercise. This makes it hard to stay active. Unfortunately, the investigators do not fully understand why this happens and how to prevent it. The primary goal of this study is to explore the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of BDNF gene in response to exercise, and investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during exercise works to improve worsening symptoms response to exercise in people with CWP. The investigators designed a randomized crossover study and will enroll 60 patients with CWP and 60 healthy controls. Participants will undergo 2 interventions in random order: 1) exercise + active tDCS, and 2) exercise + sham tDCS. Participants will visit the hospital twice with at least one week in between the visits.

Exercise and Neuromodulation in Fibromyalgia

Exercise is recommended for people with fibromyalgia because it can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Some studies show that high-intensity exercises like running or cycling (also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT) may reduce symptoms more effectively than slower, traditional exercises. There are also new treatments, like non-invasive neuromodulation, which uses a gentle current to stimulate brain cells. This technique can help reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. However, we don't yet know if combining HIIT and neuromodulation works better than exercise alone. We also want to find out if this combination helps improve other symptoms like fatigue and poor sleep. The goal of this study is to see how a combination of HIIT and neuromodulation affects pain, fatigue, sleep, and muscle strength in women with fibromyalgia. The investigators are asking two main questions: Does combining HIIT and neuromodulation reduce pain better than exercise alone? Does this combination improve how the brain controls pain, muscles, and other symptoms like fatigue and sleep problems? What Will the Study Involve? Three different exercise training programs will be compared: HIIT with neuromodulation (tDCS): The participant will do HIIT by cycling at a high intensity for 1 minute, then resting for 2 minutes. Then, this will be repeated 10 times. At the same time, the researchers will place two small, damp sponges on the head of the participant. These sponges connect to the tDCS device, which sends a gentle current to your brain. It might feel a tingling sensation at first, but it will fade away. HIIT with a "sham" (inactive) neuromodulation: This is similar to the first program, but the tDCS device will only be active for a few minutes at the beginning and end of the session. HIIT alone: This involves just the cycling exercise with no brain stimulation. Who Can Participate? The researchers are looking for women who: Are 18-65 years old and have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia Experience moderate to high levels of pain Have stable blood pressure (if they have hypertension) Are not regularly active (don't do more than 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times per week) What Will the Study involve? The participant will: Attend 6 conditioning sessions (cycling) over two weeks to prepare their body. Complete 4 weeks of HIIT training, three times per week, at Universidad Andres Bello. Attend 3 assessment sessions in our lab: before the conditioning, before the training, and after the training. These will include: Non-invasive tests to measure your physical fitness, muscle strength, and pain sensitivity Brain and muscle connection tests. Questionnaires about your sleep, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and exercise enjoyment What the participant will get? At the end of the study in addition to the training benefits, participants will receive a detailed report showing their body composition (muscle and fat levels) before and after the training.

Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Compared to Duloxetine: Non-inferiority Clinical Trial (FIBROSTIM)

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and psychocognitive alterations, compromising quality of life and leading to absenteeism and early retirement. Up to 70% of patients discontinue treatment with antidepressants and anticonvulsants due to adverse effects or low efficacy, and more than 30% resort to opioid use. Given the treatment challenges and the scarcity of safe alternatives, there is growing interest in interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which has shown efficacy in improving symptoms and functionality, with low cost and few side effects. In this context, we designed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial to compare the non-inferiority of 28 home-based anodal tDCS (2 mA) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) versus duloxetine 60 mg. Both treatments will be combined with physical exercise and pain education. Outcomes will be assessed through multidimensional measures of pain, functionality, global impression of improvement, and the function of the descending pain inhibitory system. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, depressive symptoms, psychophysical pain measures, and treatment adherence. An additional analysis will compare the results of sham tDCS and duloxetine placebo within the non-inferiority model. Predictors of treatment response will also be explored, including symptom severity and oscillatory patterns of cortical electrical activity, rest-activity rhythm, and autonomic function assessed by R-R interval. Furthermore, serum levels of S100-B protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and genetic variants related to neuroplasticity in the BDNF Val66Met, Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) (rs4680) (G\>A), OPRM1, and PER2 genes will be analyzed. Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein) and serum endorphins will also be assessed. A total of 610 women with fibromyalgia (aged 18 to 75 years) will be randomized into three groups (2:2:1): duloxetine + sham tDCS (n=244); active tDCS + placebo (n=244); and sham tDCS + placebo (n=122). Participants will be assessed during treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after completing the intervention protocol. An interim analysis will be conducted when \~50% of participants (n ≈ 305) complete the 3-month follow-up by an independent, blinded Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). (i) The trial may be stopped if the conditional probability of demonstrating non-inferiority is \<10%, based on frequentist or Bayesian methods. (i) The trial will be stopped if serious adverse events (SAEs) in the active tDCS group increase by ≥30% compared to duloxetine (p \< 0.01, adjusted). (ii) Early stopping for efficacy will be considered if active tDCS demonstrates clear non-inferiority or superiority over duloxetine on the primary outcome. Superiority requires: (iii) a clinically relevant difference exceeding the non-inferiority margin (≥10% pain reduction); (ii) statistical significance (p \< 0.005, O'Brien-Fleming adjusted); and (iii) a ≥2-point (20%) improvement on the BPI, confirmed in the ITT analysis. This study aims to generate evidence to support the decision-making process of the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC) regarding the availability of tDCS in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). In addition, identifying predictors of response to tDCS and duloxetine, through the integration of genetic, neurophysiological, inflammatory, and psychosocial markers using machine learning algorithms, will allow for identifying factors that can personalize fibromyalgia treatment. This approach enhances clinical efficacy, reduces costs associated with ineffective interventions, and supports more accurate therapeutic decisions, expanding access to safe, effective, and sustainable care within the public healthcare system

Helping Lupus Patients Manage Fibromyalgia Symptoms Through Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a psychotherapy intervention works to relieve widespread pain in patients with lupus. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is the psychotherapy treatment safe for lupus patients? Are lupus patients able to complete the treatment? Can the treatment help improve chronic pain and other symptoms in lupus patients? Researchers will compare the treatment to a control (participants who will continue their medical treatment but will not receive psychotherapy for the time frame of the treatment) to see if the psychotherapy treatment works to relieve widespread pain and other lupus-related symptoms. Participants will: Fill out questionnaires before and after the treatment. Participate in 8 weekly treatment sessions, 2 hours per session, delivered via Zoom from their own home. Keep a list of medications and monitor any changes in their medication regimen.

Silymarin vs Hesperidin/Diosmin in Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease, characterized by chronic widespread pain, physical exhaustion, sleep problems, and unexplained pain in both joints and muscles. Fibromyalgia's causes still unknown, but there are various risk factors that can cause fibromyalgia such as genetic causes, physical shock, and infections. Fibromyalgia typically presents in young or middle aged females, it occurs in females more than males, and it is characterized with widespread pain throughout the whole body in both sides such as arms, shoulders, head, and abdominal areas. The etiology of fibromyalgia still unclear, but there are several factors such as alterations in the sleep pattern, changes in the neuroendocrine transmitters such as cortisol, growth hormones and serotonin, dysfunction of central and autonomic nervous systems, psychiatric aspects and external stressors . The pain seems to result from neurochemical imbalances in the central nervous system that lead to a "central amplification" of pain perception characterized by allodynia (a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful) and hyperalgesia (an increased response to painful stimuli). this interventional study aims to study effect of silymarin and hesperidin/diosmin combination on fibromyalgia patients and compare their effect with control patients on the following 1. Management of pain. 2. Inflammatory biomarkers. 3. Quality of life.

Investigating the Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on the Brain in People With Fibromyalgia

The first goal of this study is to see how brain activity changes in people with fibromyalgia after they get a treatment called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation). Researchers are looking at how the parts of the brain that control movement (called motor cortices) respond to this treatment. The second goal is to find out if the changes in brain activity are different between the right and left sides of the brain, depending on which side gets the treatment.

Analysis of Facial Expressions for Pain Recognition in Fibromyalgia: Using Artificial Intelligence and Biomarkers

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome with characteristics of generalized body pain, low pain threshold, tenderness and stiffness in muscles, tendons and joints. The assessment of pain in this condition is a challenge due to its subjective nature. A promising approach to assessing pain intensity is facial expression analysis, which can serve as an objective indicator. In addition, research seeks to identify molecular molecular markers to quantify pain. However, the lack of a standardized system has made it difficult to identify reliable markers. In summary, the search for objective methods of assessing pain in fibromyalgia is essential in order to develop more effective more effective treatments. Facial expression analysis and the investigation of molecular markers are promising ways of quantifying pain intensity more accurately and intensity of pain more accurately and reliably in fibromyalgia.

Evaluating the Added Benefit of Osteopathic Care to a Flexi-FODMAP Diet in Fibromyalgia Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized Sham-controlled Trial

Dietary modifications are often recommended as first-line treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, with the FODMAP diet being the most effective intervention to improve global gastrointestinal symptoms. Due to the heterogeneity of symptoms, patients often seek complementary or alternative therapies. This randomized clinical trial aims to determine whether osteopathic care provides additional improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms compared to sham osteopathic care, when both are combined with a flexible FODMAP diet. The trial will also assess the safety and tolerability of osteopathic care. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does osteopathic care reduce IBS symptom severity more than sham osteopathic care? Does osteopathic care improve pain, quality of life, anxiety, fatigue, work productivity, and gut microbiota compared to sham osteopathic care? Do participants adhere to the flexible FODMAP diet and osteopathic care, and are the effects of osteopathic care maintained at 3- and 6-months post-intervention? Can pretreatment factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, IBS severity, predominant symptoms, psychological state, or gut microbiota composition, predict response to osteopathic care? What adverse effects occur with osteopathic care compared to sham care? Participants will: Visit the osteopathy clinic to receive four sessions of real or sham osteopathic care Complete online assessments before and after the intervention, and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention Provide stool samples before and after the four osteopathic or sham sessions Keep a three-day food diary and a ten-day stool diary before and after the intervention, and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention

Chronic Fibromyalgia Pain, Lifestyle Factors, and Inflammation

The goal of this observational study is to understand how lifestyle factors (such as diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, smoking, and alcohol intake) predict changes in pain sensitivity and modulation in adults aged 18-65 with chronic fibromyalgia pain. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the predictive relationship between lifestyle factors and pain sensitivity/modulation? What is the mediating role of inflammation in the relationship between lifestyle factors and pain? Researchers will explore how various lifestyle factors collectively and individually relate to pain responses and whether inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10) mediate these associations. Participants will: Wear a Fitbit for two weeks to measure physical activity and sleep Use the Nutritics app to log food intake Complete an online questionnaire on pain, sleep quality, stress, and quality of life Undergo pain sensitivity testing using a digital algometer and pressure cuff Have body weight, height, and BMI measured Provide a blood sample for analysis of inflammatory markers via ELISA

The Effect of Physiotherapy Integrated With Yoga and Mindfulness on Disability in Individuals With Fibromyalgia

The current study investigates the effect of an integrative physiotherapy and mind-body programme called PhYoMind on disability in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). Participants will be randomized to either the PhYoMind intervention, which combines specific physiotherapy techniques with yoga and mindfulness, or to a home-based exercise control group. The intervention lasts 8 weeks, with supervised and home sessions. The primary outcome is disability, with secondary outcomes including measures of central and autonomic nervous system function, pain, stress, fatigue, and sleep.

Effect of Bei App for Fibromyalgia

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and emotional comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. These symptoms severely impact daily functioning and quality of life. Although non-pharmacological strategies-such as therapeutic exercise and patient education-are recommended as first-line treatments, their implementation outside the clinical setting remains a challenge due to low adherence and lack of continuity. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a digital health intervention-BEI app-as a complement to usual care in improving clinical and functional outcomes among patients with fibromyalgia. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms (1:1 allocation). A total of 70 adult participants with fibromyalgia (diagnosed per ACR 2016 criteria) will be recruited through a patient association in Madrid, Spain. The control group will receive 12 weeks of standard, in-person treatment consisting of group-based education and physical activity. The experimental group will receive the same in-person program plus daily access to the BEI mobile application, which includes educational modules, physical and cognitive training, symptom tracking, and personalized feedback. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 6 (mid-intervention), week 12 (post-intervention), and week 24 (follow-up). Primary outcomes include pain intensity (VAS) and functional impact (FIQR). Secondary outcomes include catastrophizing, self-efficacy, cognitive function, physical activity, anxiety, depression, quality of life, app engagement, and satisfaction. Expected results: The results of this trial will provide evidence regarding the potential of mHealth tools to enhance adherence, self-efficacy, and functional outcomes in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Effect of Neurophysiological Facilitation Techniques Applied in Addition to Pilates-based Exercise Training in Individuals With Fibromyalgia on Respiratory Parameters, Fatigue and Quality of Life

The aim of our study was to examine the effect of neurophysiological facilitation techniques applied in addition to pilates-based exercise training in individuals with fibromyalgia on body composition, core stabilization, respiratory parameters, fatigue and quality of life.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Salivary Biomarkers in Chronic Muscle Pain

A large proportion of the adult population worldwide currently lives with chronic muscle pain, with more than half of those affected experiencing pain localized to the face and jaw. This means that approximately 10-15% of the adult population is affected. Living with chronic muscle pain impacts many aspects of life, significantly affecting both the individual's quality of life and well-being as well as that of their close relations. As with other chronic pain conditions, researchers agree that multiple factors contribute to the development and aggravation of the condition. The aim of this project is to identify proteins in saliva that are involved in the disease process of chronic muscle pain, in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms, improve prognosis assessment, and ultimately develop more effective treatments. The project includes patients with localized chronic jaw muscle pain, those with generalized chronic pain (fibromyalgia), and pain-free individuals in a matched control group. Validated questionnaires are used to assess pain, including measures of physical and emotional function, followed by a clinical examination. Chewing-stimulated saliva is selected for sampling based on previous studies from the research group, and blood samples are collected from all participants. Proteins involved in metabolism, stress, and immunity will be analyzed, building on prior research conducted by the group. Patients will undergo conventional orofacial pain treatment and will later be followed up with new samples to study changes in protein expression following successful treatment. Chronic muscle pain is one of the leading causes of work incapacity and long-term sick leave. This project combines clinical examinations with advanced biomedical analysis methods to investigate the role of specific proteins in disease development. The goal is to identify proteins involved in pain mechanisms to improve diagnostics and enable personalized treatments. In the short term, this could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses and the development of new treatment strategies, which would reduce pain intensity and work incapacity, ultimately benefiting both individuals and society.

Auto-immune Contribution in Symptom-based Sensory and Autonomic Disorders

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is a condition where the heart rate increases when standing up, causing symptoms like dizziness and fainting. It primarily affects young women and can be very disabling, impacting daily life. In addition to the typical symptoms related to standing, people with PoTS also experience unexplained pain and fatigue, which worsen their quality of life. The exact causes of PoTS are still unknown, but it is often triggered by viral infections and some PoTS patients show signs of immune system involvement, such as the presence of certain autoantibodies and other autoimmune conditions. Research on other chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), has found that autoantibodies can cause pain by affecting how the nerves work. This study aims to investigate if similar immune-related mechanisms are behind the widespread pain seen in PoTS. This study will also look at how PoTS affects the nervous system by testing nerve activity in participants and assessing the number of nerve fibres in the skin, to check if similar changes can be seen in mice. This study will also involve participants with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy volunteers.

Multimodal Imaging and Biospecimen Collection for Low Back Pain (LBPB)

This prospective cohort study investigates the neurobiological, genetic, and psychosocial mechanisms underlying acute and chronic low back pain (LBP). Core objectives include establishing a high-quality biobank to support future research in connectomics, genomics, and biomarker discovery, and identifying predictors of pain progression and treatment response. The study will also assess the impact of comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances on pain perception and clinical outcomes. Longitudinal analyses will explore the dynamic interplay between emotion, cognition, sleep, and pain to inform precision, mechanism-based interventions. Functional imaging will be used to examine brain responses to nociceptive modulation, aiming to identify neural circuits involved in pain chronification. By integrating multimodal data-including neuroimaging, neurophysiology, microbiota profiling, polysomnography, and molecular assays-the study will define LBP subtypes, with a particular focus on nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to establish prognostic biomarkers and advance personalized strategies for LBP prevention and treatment.

FIBROmyalgia: Somatic Tracking and Exercise Program Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the combination of two interventions is more effective in treating fibromyalgia symptoms than one intervention alone. The participant group will be people with fibromyalgia in age group 18-65 years. The two interventions to be tested over sixteen weeks are: * weekly exercise sessions in groups * weekly consultations with a therapist The main question it aims to answer is: Is the combination of group exercising and somatic tracking work more efficient than physical activity alone in terms of managing fibromyalgia? Participants will wear Fitbit activity trackers, register pain intensity daily on a mobile app, and answer the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). They will be divided into four groups: * one group receiving the exercise intervention * one group receiving the psychological intervention * one group receiving both intervention * one control group recieving general physical activity recommendations Before the sixteen weeks intervention period, there will be a baseline period of eight weeks. Durng the baseline period, participants will wear activity trackers and maintain their usual lifestyle. Researchers will compare the combination of the interventions against only one intervention and the control group.

Multicomponent FIBROWALK Therapy Plus Unified Protocol for Emotional Regulation in Individuals With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. Although the FIBROWALK multicomponent program improves physical functionality and pain, its impact on emotional regulation remains limited. This study aims to integrate the Unified Protocol (UP), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, to enhance emotional and physical distress tolerance in fibromyalgia patients and explore participants' satisfaction, difficulties, and barriers to treatment. This study investigates the efficacy of integrating the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic intervention based on CBT, with the multicomponent FIBROWALK therapy for individuals with fibromyalgia. The trial seeks to enhance emotional regulation, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life. Additionally, it will gather qualitative feedback from participants to identify challenges, barriers, and potential improvements to the therapeutic intervention.