Electrical and ultrasound markers for myofascial pain
Electrophysiological and ultrasound quantitative biomarkers for myofascial pain
This project will use painless electrical and ultrasound measurements to find clear signs of myofascial pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11363198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive non-invasive tests that use tiny electrical currents and ultrasound imaging to look for changes in muscles and trigger points linked to myofascial pain. The team will use electrical impedance myography, myofiber threshold-tracking excitability testing, and ultrasound measures — two of these methods are new to this condition. Many of the tests are painless and quick, and one technique (electrical impedance myography) can even be performed outside the clinic. The goal is to better identify active vs latent trigger points and to track how those findings change after common treatments like injections, dry needling, or myofascial release.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with localized or chronic myofascial pain and identifiable trigger points would be the most suitable candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People without myofascial pain (for example those with purely neuropathic pain, systemic pain syndromes, or anyone under age 21) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could give doctors clearer, objective ways to diagnose myofascial pain and to see whether treatments are working.
How similar studies have performed: Electrical impedance myography has shown useful signals in other muscle conditions, but combining EIM with threshold-tracking excitability testing and ultrasound for myofascial pain is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rutkove, Seward B. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rutkove, Seward B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.