The Modulatory Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Spinal Neuroplasticity

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Oct 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how female sex hormones, specifically estradiol, affect the spinal cord's ability to adapt and respond to signals in healthy individuals. The researchers aim to understand how changes in estradiol levels can influence the way spinal circuits work, particularly in young adults aged 18-39. The study will involve both women and men, looking at how these hormone changes impact motor function and sensory responses through specific types of stimulation to the nerves.

To participate in this trial, women need to be between 18 and 39 years old, have regular menstrual cycles, and engage in moderate physical activity. Men in the same age range who are also moderately active can join. However, individuals with certain medical histories, like spine injuries or specific connective tissue disorders, will not be eligible. Participants can expect to undergo tests that involve nerve stimulation while the researchers monitor how their spinal circuits respond. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's a great opportunity to contribute to understanding how hormones might influence our nervous system.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • FEMALES
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 18-39 years
• • Eumenorrheic (regular monthly cycles of 24-35 days)
• • Moderately active (less than 7 hours of vigorous physical activity per week)
• • History of pregnancy is allowed if patient is in post-lactation phase
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of musculoskeletal or orthopedic injury of the spine, hip, knee, ankle or foot
• • History of neurological injury of the peripheral or central nervous system
• • Current smoker
• • History of disordered eating
• • History of stress fracture in the lower limb
• • History of a connective tissue disorder (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos disease)
• • Pacemaker, metal implants in the head and spine region
• • Pregnancy
• • On a hormonal contraceptive regimen (oral, transdermal or vaginal)
• • History of menstrual dysfunction (primary or secondary amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian disease)
• • Started or stopped taking oral contraceptives within the previous 6 months
• • Exercise vigorously more than 7 hours per week or currently participating in competitive level sports.
• • MALES
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 18-39
• • Moderately active (less than 7 hours of vigorous physical activity per week)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of musculoskeletal or orthopedic injury of the spine, hip, knee, ankle or foot
• • History of neurological injury of the peripheral or central nervous system
• • Current smoker
• • History of disordered eating
• • History of stress fracture in the lower limb
• • History of a connective tissue disorder (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos disease)
• • Pacemaker, metal implants in the head and spine region