Effects of motor imagery on pain and itch perception

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates how performing a motor imagery task influences cortical excitability during acute muscle pain and itch induced by different stimuli. The study aims to determine if motor imagery can mitigate the changes in cortical excitability associated with these sensations, which have overlapping neurophysiological mechanisms. Participants will undergo experimental pain and itch models while their cortical responses are measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation. The findings could enhance our understanding of pain and itch management.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and women
* 18-60 years
* Speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation
* Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs
* Previous or current history of neurological (e.g. neuropathy), immunological (e.g. asthma, immune deficiencies, arthritis), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscular pain in the upper extremities,), cardiac disorder (e.g., heart stroke), or psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. depression) that may affect the results
* Current use of medications that may affect the trial, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and painkillers, as well as systemic or topical steroids
* Skin diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis)
* Moles, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested.
* Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
* Acute or chronic pain
* Unable to pass the "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen" (subproject 1 and 2)
* Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) application (history of epilepsy, metal implants in head or jaw, etc.)
* Presence of implanted hearing aids or metal implants on the face, including permanent makeup or tattoos
* Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)
* Lack of ability to cooperate

Where it's running

• Aalborg University
  Gistrup, Denmark Recruiting
• Aalborg University
  Gistrup, Denmark Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Silvia Lo Vecchio
• Email: slv@hst.aau.dk
• Phone: 21397785

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.