Cardio exercise to lower pain sensitivity after stroke and in healthy adults
Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia in Pain-free Stroke and Healthy Populations: a Cohort Study
NA · Neuron, Spain · NCT07327593
This project will test whether a short session of cardiovascular exercise can temporarily reduce sensitivity to painful stimuli in people who had a stroke and in pain-free adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Neuron, Spain (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Madrid, Madrid and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07327593 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cohort study will compare exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) responses in two groups: adults with a history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (>3 months since onset) and pain-free healthy adults. Participants will perform cardiovascular training (active pedaling) while researchers measure changes in pain thresholds before and after exercise. People with cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic, or other medical contraindications to exercise, or who cannot pedal or follow instructions, will be excluded. The trial is conducted at two Neuron clinic sites in Madrid using standardized pain sensitivity testing to quantify acute hypoalgesic effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (>18) who either had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 3 months ago and can safely perform active pedaling, or pain-free healthy adults without medical conditions that could affect testing.
Not a fit: People with unstable cardiac, pulmonary, renal or metabolic conditions, other neurological disorders, inability to pedal or communicate sensations, or recent ongoing pain are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If positive, the findings could support using simple cardiovascular exercise as a low-cost way to reduce pain sensitivity and help guide rehabilitation strategies after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research since 1979 shows EIH after aerobic and resistance exercise in healthy people and some chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, but EIH has been little studied in neurological populations such as post-stroke patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy cohort: * Age \> 18 years * No neurological damage * No medical conditions that could affect the test Post-stroke cohort: * Age \> 18 years * Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (time since onset \> 3 months) Exclusion Criteria: Healthy cohort: * Any medical condition that could affect the test (respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases, for example) * Pain in any location, of duration \> 1 week in the 3 months preceding the trial. Post-stroke cohort: * Unable to participate in the test (no possibility of transfer or active pedaling) * Medical contraindication to cardiovascular training for any reason * Inability to follow instructions or communicate sensations during training * Other neurological pathology, cardiac pathology (unstable angina, arrhythmias, aortic or left ventricular problems, myocarditis, pericarditis), pulmonary pathology that affects the test (pulmonary embolisms, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), renal or metabolic problems (severe renal dysfunction, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.), acute infection or fever, neurosurgery within 6 weeks prior to inclusion in the study * Pain in any location, lasting \> 1 week in the 3 months prior to the trial. * Use of beta-blockers, antidepressants, or any medication that may alter heart rate measurements
Where this trial is running
Madrid, Madrid and 1 other locations
- Neuron Madrid Río — Madrid, Madrid, Spain (RECRUITING)
- Neuron Nuevos Ministerios — Madrid, Madrid, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alejandro Herrera Rojas, Physical Therapist — Neuron, Spain
- Study coordinator: Alejandro Herrera Rojas, Physical Therapist
- Email: aherrerar2003@gmail.com
- Phone: + 34 640944777
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: Stroke, Pain, Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia, Exercise induced hypoalgesia, Cardiovascular training