The Effects of Performing a Motor Imagery Task on Cortical Excitability During Acute Experimental Muscle Pain and Acute Itch

Launched by AALBORG UNIVERSITY · Jul 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how imagining movements (called motor imagery) can affect the brain's activity during times of muscle pain and itching. Researchers want to see if this mental exercise can help lessen the changes in brain activity that occur when someone experiences pain or itchiness. They will create temporary muscle pain using a salt solution and induce itching using substances like histamine and Cowhage.

To participate, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 60 years old who can speak and understand English. However, if you are pregnant, have a history of substance abuse, or have certain medical conditions (like skin diseases, neurological issues, or current pain), you won't be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to engage in some tasks that involve imagining movements while your brain activity is monitored. This trial is currently looking for volunteers, so if you meet the eligibility criteria, you might have the chance to contribute to important research about pain and itching!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy men and women
• • 18-60 years
• • Speak and understand English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy or lactation
• • Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs
• • Previous or current history of neurological (e.g. neuropathy), immunological (e.g. asthma, immune deficiencies, arthritis), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscular pain in the upper extremities,), cardiac disorder (e.g., heart stroke), or psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. depression) that may affect the results
• • Current use of medications that may affect the trial, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and painkillers, as well as systemic or topical steroids
• • Skin diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis)
• • Moles, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested.
• • Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
• • Acute or chronic pain
• • Unable to pass the "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen" (subproject 1 and 2)
• • Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) application (history of epilepsy, metal implants in head or jaw, etc.)
• • Presence of implanted hearing aids or metal implants on the face, including permanent makeup or tattoos
• • Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)
• • Lack of ability to cooperate