Developing a new imaging method to assess myofascial pain

Development and Clinical Translation of RPBM for Quantitative Assessment of Myofascial Pain

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10954557

This study is testing a new, gentle imaging method to look at changes in the muscles related to jaw pain, which could help improve how we understand and treat people with masticatory myofascial pain syndrome.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954557 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating and evaluating a non-invasive imaging technique to measure changes in muscle fibers related to masticatory myofascial pain syndrome (MMPS). By utilizing advanced Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging, the study aims to extract detailed anatomical information about muscle fibers, including their diameter and permeability. This innovative approach, known as the random permeable barrier model (RPBM), has shown promise in preliminary tests and could lead to better assessment and treatment options for patients suffering from this condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of masticatory myofascial pain syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with myofascial pain not related to the masticatory system may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable tool for diagnosing and monitoring myofascial pain, leading to more effective treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar imaging techniques in assessing muscle conditions, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.