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Isometric Exercise and Endogenous Pain Inhibition

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Interventions
Other: Isometric Exercise
Registration Number
NCT03778476
Lead Sponsor
Marquette University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to identify the acute effects of isometric exercise on the inhibition of pain in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Detailed Description

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by widespread pain which affects 5-8% of the general population. Past research has shown that people with FMS demonstrate enhanced pain facilitation and reduced pain inhibition in the central nervous system. Incorporating a biopsychosocial model of pain may help develop strategies to prevent the functional decline and alleviate the suffering that occurs in this population. Exercise is a mainstay of pain rehabilitation with multiple health benefits, one of which is decreasing pain; a phenomenon known as exercise induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Emerging evidence has shown that exercise decreases pain facilitation in healthy adults and in some individuals with FMS. However, it's unclear whether exercise improves pain inhibition in individuals with FMS. The purpose of this study is to investigate endogenous pain inhibition, measured by conditioned pain modulation (CPM), following isometric exercise of the quadriceps muscle in individuals with FMS. In addition, factors that might affect this response such as physical activity, body composition, and psychosocial issues will be examined. Understanding how exercise impacts pain and the contributing factors will help guide the prescription of exercise to optimize pain rehabilitation.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
43
Inclusion Criteria
  • Men and women aged 18-75 diagnosed with fibromyalgia or healthy controls will be included in the study.
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Exclusion Criteria
  • cardiovascular disease, cancer, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes, claustrophobia, Reynaud's disease, osteoporosis, neuropathy.
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Isometric ExerciseIsometric ExerciseParticipants will perform a submaximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle to task failure.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Conditioned Pain Modulationbaseline, immediately after exercise or quiet rest

the change in pressure pain threshold (kPa) during or after the immersion of the foot in a cold water bath (approximately 6 degrees) compared with baseline (before foot submersion) constitutes the measure of conditioned pain modulation in this study.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Vibration Perception Thresholdbaseline, immediately after exercise or quiet rest

a biothesiometer will be used to measure sense of vibration (threshold) local and distal from the exercising muscle.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Marquette University

🇺🇸

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

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