How pain affects movement learning in older adults
Pain and Motor Learning in Older Adults
This study looks at how both short-term and long-term pain affects older adults' ability to learn new ways to move, especially when recovering from issues like chronic low back pain, to help improve rehabilitation for those who may also be facing memory challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how both acute and chronic pain influence the ability of older adults to learn and retain new movement patterns. It focuses on understanding the relationship between pain and motor learning, particularly in the context of physical rehabilitation for conditions like chronic low back pain. By examining the effects of pain on locomotor learning, the study aims to identify potential barriers to effective rehabilitation in older adults. The research will involve comparing the impacts of pain on movement learning in both younger and older adults, with a specific focus on those experiencing cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing acute or chronic pain, particularly those with conditions like chronic low back pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing pain or those who do not have cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for older adults suffering from pain, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the effects of pain on motor learning have been explored, this specific focus on older adults and the interplay with cognitive decline is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- University of Delaware — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morton, Susanne M — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Morton, Susanne M
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.