Mechanisms of Massage

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Healthy; Pain

• 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.

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

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

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