Central pain sensitivity and its effect on nerve control of muscles in people with chronic knee pain or fibromyalgia
Official title: Investigating the Role of Central Pain Hypersensitivity in Skeletal Muscle Neural Drive, in People With Knee Pain, and in People With Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Pain-Neural Drive)
Run by University of Nottingham · NCT07281651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether increased central pain sensitivity is linked to changes in the nerve signals that control muscles in adults 40+ with chronic knee pain or fibromyalgia compared with pain-free volunteers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 135 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Derby, Derbyshire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07281651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 years or older with chronic knee pain (pain ≥4/10 most days for the past 3 months) or clinician-diagnosed fibromyalgia with similar pain levels, as well as pain-free adults as controls.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, have BMI >35 or weigh ≥250 kg, cannot consent or complete the testing, or who recently exercised or consumed alcohol/caffeine on the test day are excluded and would not be able to participate or benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional observational project comparing adults with chronic knee pain, adults with fibromyalgia, and pain-free controls. Participants attend two in-person visits including a screening/consent visit and a test session with body measurements, quantitative sensory testing for pain sensitivity, and neuromuscular testing. Isometric muscle contractions are measured using an isometric dynamometer with electrodes on the tibialis anterior and biceps brachii, and a temporary remote pain stimulus (blood pressure cuff) is applied to test its effect on muscle neural drive. Data will be used to see whether central pain hypersensitivity is associated with altered neural signalling to skeletal muscles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify why pain and tissue damage sometimes do not match and point to treatments that target central pain mechanisms to improve muscle function and reduce symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows central sensitization can change pain perception and sometimes muscle activation patterns, but directly linking central pain hypersensitivity to neural drive using detailed neuromuscular testing in these groups is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Knee pain group * History of knee pain with an intensity level of 4 out of 10 or greater (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable) for most days in the past 3 months Fibromyalgia group * Fibromyalgia diagnosis (participant self-reporting a previous diagnosis by a clinician) * Pain with an intensity level of 4 out of 10 or greater (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable) for most days in the past 3 months Control group \- Pain free individuals without known osteoarthritis Exclusion Criteria: * BMI\>35 * Body weight of 250kg or higher * Pregnancy (women) * Inability to give consent * Inability to meet the requirements of clinical assessment * Performed strenuous physical exercise in the past 24 hours prior to testing * Consumed alcohol on day of testing * Consumed caffeine on day of testing
Where it's running
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University of Nottingham Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby
Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephanie Smith, PhD — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Ben Lightowler, MSc
- Email: benjamin.lightowler@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)115 7484098
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.