How chronic musculoskeletal pain affects movement and walking in older adults
Biopsychosocial pain predictors of mobility decline in aging
This project looks at whether ongoing body pain and related brain changes lead to future problems with walking and everyday movement in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be followed over time with questions about long-term musculoskeletal pain, tests of mood and behavior, and physical walking and mobility tests. The team will also measure brain structure and function (for example, with brain imaging) to look for patterns linked to pain and mobility. Researchers plan to use these repeated measures to see whether pain and brain changes come before declines in walking and daily movement and whether brain changes explain the link between pain and mobility. The aim is to bring together information about pain, mood, and the brain to better understand why mobility gets worse with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults (for example age 60 and up) with ongoing musculoskeletal pain or concerns about declining mobility.
Not a fit: People who are younger, have no chronic musculoskeletal pain, or whose mobility loss is due to non-pain causes (such as an acute injury or a primary neurological disorder) are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat age-related mobility decline by addressing pain and its effects on the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional studies suggest links between pain and mobility, but longitudinal studies that include brain measurements are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruz-Almeida, Yenisel — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cruz-Almeida, Yenisel
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.