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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04625335

Effects of Prophylactic Massage Therapy on Pain Tolerance and Threshold

Therapeutic massage has been thought to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation in human patients.This study is meant to determine the immediate effects of therapeutic massage on pain tolerance and threshold.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States

About this study

Patients participated in two trials of a pain stimulus test that measured pain threshold and pain tolerance. One trial was titled "Massage Protocol" and the other, "No-Massage Protocol." During the "Massage Protocol," they received a therapeutic massage to the forearm before participating in the pain stimulus test. During the "No-Massage Protocol" they did not receive a massage before participating in the pain stimulus test. Their pain threshold and tolerance for both trials were compared against each other. Each patient was randomized as to which protocol they participated in first.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

-generally healthy

Exclusion criteria

  • pregnant
  • smoker
  • cold allergy
  • Raynaud's disease
  • cryophobia

Treatment and study plan

No Massage Protocol

Other

Participants did not receive therapeutic massage prior to completing the Cold Pressor Test.

Prophylactic Therapeutic Massage

Other

Participants received a 5 minute prophylactic therapeutic massage prior to completing the Cold Pressor Test. The massage was completed distally-to-proximally in the following order: superficial strokes to the entire forearm, deep strokes to the entire forearm, one-handed palmar kneading of the entire forearm with participant's forearm stabilized by the massager's the other hand, bilateral thumb kneading of the forearm in strips until the entire forearm was addressed, bilateral transverse thumb motions over palmar surface of the hand, single thumb kneading of thenar and hypothenar eminences simultaneously, bilateral thumb kneading to the dorsum of hand, deep stroking to the entire forearm, and superficial stroking to the entire forearm.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain Tolerance

    Time frame: Approximately 3 minutes

    Pain tolerance is measured as using the Cold Pressor Test. It is calculated as the amount of time elapsed between submersion of the hand in cold water and removal due to intolerance of the stimulus. Data will be reported as the change in pain tolerance between massage and no massage.

  2. Change in Pain Threshold

    Time frame: Approximated 3 minutes

    Pain threshold is measured using the Cold Pressor Test. It is calculated as the amount of time elapsed between submersion of the hand in cold water and the first report of pain. Data will be reported as the change in pain threshold between massage and no massage.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kyle Knight

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2016
First posted
Nov 12, 2020
Registry last updated
Nov 12, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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