Comparing moderate and high intensity training effects on pain processing in healthy individuals
The Effects of a Moderate Intensity Training Program Versus a High Intensity Training Program on Central Pain Processing
This study tests whether moderate or high-intensity exercise can change how healthy adults feel and handle pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT06207422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate how different exercise intensities, specifically moderate intensity training (MIT) and high intensity training (HIT), affect central pain processing in healthy sedentary adults. Participants aged 18 to 55 with a BMI between 20 and 25 will engage in either MIT or HIT programs to assess changes in pain sensitivity and modulation. The study will utilize accelerometers to monitor physical activity levels before and during the intervention. The findings could inform future research on exercise prescriptions for chronic pain management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy sedentary adults aged 18 to 55 with a BMI between 20 and 25 who engage in less than three hours of moderate physical activity per week.
Not a fit: Patients with current or serious past pain complaints, medical or psychological health issues, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to optimized exercise recommendations for improving pain sensitivity and modulation in both healthy individuals and chronic pain patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated positive effects of exercise on pain modulation, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age between 18 and 55 years * BMI between 20 and 25 kg/m² * Dutch-speaking * sedentary job and performing less than 3 hours of moderate physical activity per week Exclusion Criteria: * current pain complaints or other (medical and/or psychological) health problems * history of serious pain complaints or (medical and/or psychological) health problems * history of serious conditions (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, diabetes, depression, etc.) * being pregnant * pregnant in the past 12 months * currently breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Ghent University — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Van Oosterwijck — Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
- Study coordinator: Jessica Van Oosterwijck, Professor
- Email: jessica.vanoosterwijck@ugent.be
- Phone: +32 9 332 69 19
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.