Nerve responses to deep pressure like massage or hugs
CRCNS: Computational modeling to predict afferent firing to deep pressure touch
This work models how nerve signals during deep pressure (such as massage or a hug) relate to sensations and tissue stiffness in people with muscle and joint pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187185 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will record nerve activity from peripheral nerves in awake volunteers using microneurography while applying deep pressure to muscles and soft tissues. They will collect bodily responses and ask about your sensations, and repeat recordings before and after soft-tissue manipulation like massage. Computational models will be developed to predict how different nerve types fire in response to pressure and how those patterns combine to produce sensations. The team aims to link nerve firing and tissue mechanics to better understand why some pressure relieves pain while other pressure causes discomfort.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic musculoskeletal or myofascial pain who can tolerate brief needle recordings, pressure testing, and massage sessions would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without muscle or joint pain, or those unable to undergo microneurography because of bleeding disorders, pregnancy, implanted electrical devices, or severe peripheral neuropathy, may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help physical therapists and clinicians tailor pressure-based treatments to reduce musculoskeletal and myofascial pain.
How similar studies have performed: Microneurography has previously recorded human nerve firing during touch, but applying detailed computational models to predict responses to deep pressure and linking them to tissue mechanics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerling, Gregory John — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Gerling, Gregory John
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.