Mechanisms of Massage

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Healthy; Pain
• Interventions: Other: Pain Inducing Massage; Other: Pain Free Massage; Other: Negative Expectation Instructional Set; Other: Positive Expectation Instructional Set

• Registration Number: NCT04108403
• Lead Sponsor: University of Florida

Brief Summary

The investigators have previously found moderately painful massage produces comparable changes in pain sensitivity as a conditioned pain modulation paradigm in healthy participants suggesting shared underlying mechanisms. The researchers aim to extend these findings by understanding the influence of expectation on these findings.

Detailed Description

Massage is a muscle biased intervention individuals seek for pain alleviation; however, the mechanisms of massage are not well established. In this study, the investigators aim to determine the effect of expectations on massage related hypoalgesia. Individuals meeting eligibility criteria and agreeing to participate will attend one session that lasts approximately one hour. A myofascial trigger point (taut band of muscle tissue) will be assessed on the neck of the participant. Next, a baseline assessment of pressure pain threshold will be performed followed by random assignment to one of four study arms.

Basic Information
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Recruitment & Eligibility
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Study & Design
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Trial Locations

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2019-09-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-09-26
• Study First Posted: 2019-09-30
• Study Start: 2019-10-31
• Primary Completion: 2021-12-15
• Study Completion: 2021-12-15
• Status Verified: 2022-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-09-15
• Last Update Posted: 2022-09-16

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 56

Inclusion Criteria

• Pain Free

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Exclusion Criteria

• non-English speaking
• systemic medical condition known to affect sensation (i.e. diabetes)
• regular use of prescription pain medication to manage pain
• current or history of chronic pain condition
• currently using blood thinning medication
• any blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Pain Inducing Massage and Positive Expectation Instructions	Pain Inducing Massage	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a positive expectation instructional set followed by a moderately painful massage (pain = 50/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Inducing Massage and Negative Expectation Instructions	Pain Inducing Massage	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a negative expectation instructional set followed by a moderately painful massage (pain = 50/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Free Massage and Negative Expectation Instructions	Negative Expectation Instructional Set	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a negative expectation instructional set followed by a pain free massage (pain = 0/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Inducing Massage and Positive Expectation Instructions	Positive Expectation Instructional Set	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a positive expectation instructional set followed by a moderately painful massage (pain = 50/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Inducing Massage and Negative Expectation Instructions	Negative Expectation Instructional Set	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a negative expectation instructional set followed by a moderately painful massage (pain = 50/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Free Massage and Positive Expectation Instructions	Positive Expectation Instructional Set	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a positive expectation instructional set followed by a pain free massage (pain = 0/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Free Massage and Negative Expectation Instructions	Pain Free Massage	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a negative expectation instructional set followed by a pain free massage (pain = 0/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.
Pain Free Massage and Positive Expectation Instructions	Pain Free Massage	A myofascial trigger point will be assessed in the trapezius muscle and massage applied to this area of the neck. Participants in this arm will receive a positive expectation instructional set followed by a pain free massage (pain = 0/100). Massage will be applied for one minute, four times with assessment of pressure pain threshold at the foot between each interval.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pressure Pain Threshold	1 hour	A computerized pressure algometer with a 1cm diameter rubber tip will be applied to the web space of the non-dominant foot. Participants are instructed to say "stop" so the stimulus can be terminated when the sensation first transitions from pressure to pain (threshold).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UF Health; 🇺🇸 Gainesville, Florida, United States