Understanding how deep pressure touch affects pain perception
CRCNS: Computational modeling to predict afferent firing to deep pressure touch
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11081830
This study is looking at how gentle, deep pressure, like what you might feel during a massage, affects how we feel pain, especially for people with ongoing muscle and joint pain, by exploring how our nerves react to this pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11081830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how deep pressure touch, often experienced in therapies like massage, influences pain perception by examining the neuronal mechanisms involved. It aims to develop computational models that predict how different types of nerve fibers respond to deep pressure, which could help in understanding chronic musculoskeletal pain. By using advanced techniques like microneurography to record nerve activity, the study will analyze how these responses change with tissue manipulation. The ultimate goal is to link these neural responses to the sensations of discomfort and pain in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain who may benefit from therapies involving deep pressure touch.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing musculoskeletal pain may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding the effects of touch on pain perception, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
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.