Evaluating the effects of walking on pain in older adults
Exploring the Acute and Dynamic Relationships Between Movement and Pain in Older Adults With Musculoskeletal Pain
This study tests if short walks can help reduce pain in older adults who have musculoskeletal pain compared to just sitting.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06886906 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research evaluates how brief bouts of intermittent walking affect bodily pain and movement-evoked pain in older adults with musculoskeletal pain. Participants will undergo two sessions where they will experience either uninterrupted sitting or sitting interrupted by light walking, with various assessments including quantitative sensory testing and questionnaires. The study aims to understand the body's adaptation to pain through these different movement conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults who have experienced musculoskeletal pain in the past month.
Not a fit: Patients with serious cardiovascular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions, or those unable to walk without assistance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help develop better pain management strategies for older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that physical activity can positively influence pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Community-dwelling men and women * Answer yes to the following question: Have you experienced any musculoskeletal pain (pain affecting joints, bones, ligaments, tendons or muscles) in the past month? Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular issues such as uncontrolled blood pressure over 150/99 mmHg, heart failure, or history of acute myocardial infarction; * Angina in the last month (squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in chest) * Serious systemic disease or condition (e.g., severe osteoarthritis, injury) that restricts normal daily activities * Neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy) * Serious psychiatric conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or hospitalization within the preceding year for psychiatric illness * Known peripheral neuropathy * Chronic opioid use (defined as ≥ 90 days) * Unable to walk for 6 minutes without assistive devices Session exclusion criteria: • Participants will be asked to not participate in vigorous or unaccustomed exercise 48 hours prior to each study session.
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- 250 University Blvd — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelly Marie Naugle — School of Health and Human Sciences, IUPUI
- Study coordinator: Kelly M Naugle, PhD
- Email: kmnaugle@iu.edu
- Phone: +3172740601
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.