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The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Primary Motor and Somatosensory Cortex on Pain Thresholds.

Not Applicable
Conditions
Healthy
Registration Number
NCT04658485
Lead Sponsor
Aalborg University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the modulatory effect of a novel tDCS configuration on the pain sensitivity in healthy subjects.

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to investigate the modulatory effect of a single session 20 min anodal primary motor cortex (M1) and cathodal primary somatosensory cortex (S1) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the pain sensitivity on the descending part of musculus trapezius in healthy young adults.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Healthy
  • Age between 18-30 years
  • Living in Denmark
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy
  • Drug addiction defined as the use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs
  • Current use of opioids, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines
  • Previous or current neurological, musculoskeletal, rheumatic, malignant, inflammatory or mental illnesses
  • Current or prior chronic pain conditions
  • Lack of ability to cooperate

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in pressure pain thresholdTwo assessments total: Once before the stimulation intervention (baseline assessment) and once again three minutes after the stimulation (post intervention assessment).

A hand-held pressure algometer (Somedic, Hörby, Sweden) with a 1-cm2 probe was used to record the pressure pain threshold. The pressure is increased gradually at a rate of 30 kPa/s. The measurement is repeated three times on descending part of the medial musculus trapezius sinister and dexter respectively.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Heat and Cold Pain Detection ThresholdsTwo assessments total: Once before the stimulation intervention (baseline) and once again five minutes after the stimulation (post intervention assessment).

A 3×3 cm (9 cm2) contact thermode (Medoc Advanced Medical Systems, Israel) was used to apply thermal stimulation. Each stimulus will be started at 32°C and thresholds of heat and cold pain detection was assessed by ascending or descending ramps in temperature to the cutoffs of 0-50 °C. This will be assessed on the skin over the left side descending part of the medial musculus trapezius.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain

🇩🇰

Aalborg, Nordjylland, Denmark

Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain
🇩🇰Aalborg, Nordjylland, Denmark

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