Assessing central aspects of pain in chronic conditions
Assessing Central Nervous System Contributions to Accelerate Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
University of Nottingham · NCT06518278
This study is trying to understand how the brain and nervous system affect pain in people with chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia to help improve diagnosis and treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham, Nottingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT06518278 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the central nervous system's role in chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, and inflammatory arthritis. It focuses on understanding how altered CNS pathways contribute to pain perception and emotional responses, utilizing simpler clinical pain sensitivity assessments. The study seeks to identify clinically useful tools that can aid in diagnosing and measuring CNS activity related to pain, ultimately improving clinical decision-making and treatment development.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis, experiencing pain for more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with terminal or uncontrolled medical conditions or those unable to understand the study protocol may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in assessing CNS involvement in chronic pain, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or over. * One for more of the following self-reported diagnoses: fibromyalgia, inflammatory MSK condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis), low back pain, osteoarthritis. * MSK diagnosis and pain onset more than 3 months prior to baseline * Self-reported pain levels ≥ 3 on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst pain imaginable' on most days in the 3 months before baseline. * Ability to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Terminal/uncontrolled medical or mental health condition that would prevent participants from completing assessments or pose a significant risk to participants or staff. * Insufficient understanding of spoken or written English to comply with the requirements of the study protocol. * Inability to adhere to the study protocol.
Where this trial is running
Nottingham, Nottingham
- University of Nottingham, Academic Rheumatology, IRIS, School of Medicine — Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephanie L Smith, PhD
- Email: Stephanie.Smith2@Nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 115 823 1942
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Low Back Pain, Inflammatory Arthritis, Quantitative Sensory Testing, Temporal Summation, Pressure Pain detection Threshold, Conditioned Pain Modulation