Effects of Acute Pain on Motor Learning in Young vs Older Adults (NCT05471557) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effects of Acute Pain on Motor Learning in Young vs Older Adults
United States61 participantsStarted 2024-08-20
Plain-language summary
To date, the effects of pain on motor learning have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in older adults. Broadly, the purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of acute pain on locomotor learning and its retention in older adults. The investigators hypothesize that acute pain impairs retention of locomotor learning in young and older adults and that in older adults, these deficits are worsened and are related to the degree of normal age-related cognitive decline.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 18-35 (YA group only) or 55-85 (OA group only) years old
. Sex-matched to a participant in the OA group (YA group only)
. Self-identifying as generally medically healthy
. Able to read, write and speak English
. Able to provide informed consent and attend all testing sessions
. Willing to undergo the experimental pain or non-painful electrical stimulation, if selected
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Motor Retention Magnitude
Timeframe: 24 hours post learning (day 2)
2
Motor Learning Magnitude
Timeframe: immediately after learning (day 1)
3
Digit Span Backward Test
Timeframe: the change between baseline and during application of intervention
4
Digit Span Forward Test
Timeframe: the change between baseline and during application of intervention
. Resting BP \< 90/60 or \> 140/95 mmHg (YA group only) or \> 165/95 (OA group only)
. Any history or current mental health condition, learning/developmental disability or cognitive impairment, including severe untreated ADD/ADHD, severe untreated anxiety, severe untreated depression, autism spectrum disorder, insomnia, mild cognitive impairment, etc.
. Score on the MoCA \<23
. Score on the GAD-7 ≥ 10
. Score on the PHQ-2 ≥ 2 and score on the PHQ-9 ≥ 10
. Any current (within last 3 month) or chronic medical conditions, including any musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, metabolic, psychiatric or neurological diagnosis that (for OA group only) affects activities of daily living or would confound testing or place the subject at risk by participating, such as a significant cardiovascular condition or event (e.g., heart attack \< 3 months ago, uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, uncontrolled angina, or congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, peripheral vascular disease)
. Any impaired sensation or weakness in either lower extremity or in the area targeted for the stimulus