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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT04108403

Mechanisms of Massage

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.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UF Health

Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Pain Inducing Massage

Other

A pain inducing massage (pain intensity = 50/100) will be applied for 60 seconds, 4 times.

Pain Free Massage

Other

A pain free massage (pain intensity = 0/100) will be applied for 60 seconds, 4 times.

Positive Expectation Instructional Set

Other

Participants will be instructed that the massage is effective for some people with neck pain.

Negative Expectation Instructional Set

Other

Participants will be instructed that the massage is ineffective for some people with neck pain.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pressure Pain Threshold

    Time frame: 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).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Florida

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Sep 30, 2019
Registry last updated
Sep 16, 2022

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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