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Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) reduces pain intensity in adults with musculoskeletal pain but does not significantly improve sleep quality.

A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (232 participants) found that tACS significantly reduced pain intensity compared to control (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -0.625 to -0.084, p = 0.010). However, no significant improvement was found for sleep quality (SMD = 0.004, 95% CI: -0.310 to 0.317, p = 0.982). The certainty of evidence was low for both outcomes.

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score48/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for Musculoskeletal Pain and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

observational

Chen Z, Qian M, Yang Y, Zhao J, Wang Z, Cai W, Xu J, Han J, Chen Y · Complementary therapies in medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified in abstract
Intervention: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applied to the brain
Outcome: Pain intensity and sleep quality
Effect Size: SMD = -0.355 for pain; SMD = 0.004 for sleep quality
Population: Adults with musculoskeletal pain

Result:

PubMed: 42575228DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103419

Mechanism Graph

tACS modulates cortical excitability and neural oscillations
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This may alter pain processing pathways
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Potential effects on sleep-related brain activity
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Result: Pain reduction but no significant sleep improvement

Limitations

  • ⚠Limited number of studies (6 RCTs) and small sample size (232 participants)
  • ⚠Low certainty of evidence for both pain and sleep outcomes
  • ⚠Heterogeneity in stimulation protocols and outcome measures
  • ⚠Short follow-up periods

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tACS reduce pain in musculoskeletal pain?▼

Yes, the meta-analysis found a significant reduction in pain intensity with tACS compared to control (SMD = -0.355).

Does tACS improve sleep quality?▼

No significant improvement was found for sleep quality (SMD = 0.004, p = 0.982).

What is the certainty of evidence for tACS effects?▼

The certainty of evidence was rated as low for both pain and sleep quality outcomes.

Are there any side effects of tACS?▼

Adverse effects were mild and transient, comparable to sham stimulation.

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References

  1. 1.Chen Z, Qian M, Yang Y, Zhao J, Wang Z, Cai W, Xu J, Han J, Chen Y. "Efficacy of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for Musculoskeletal Pain and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.." Complementary therapies in medicine, 2026. PMID: 42575228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103419
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.