Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is the behavioral measure of diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC), an endogenous pain inhibitory pathway in which pain inhibits pain. Conditioned pain modulation is less efficient in individuals with chronic pain conditions, and it is a predictor for the development of chronic pain. Continuous stimulation of central/cortical mechanisms through engaging CPM might alter pain processing and improve pain inhibition. Healthy participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: High Exposure (HE), Low Exposure (LE), and No Exposure (NE). Pre-and post-intervention pain sensitivity including conditioned pain modulation will be assessed. The study will assess the central pain modulatory mechanisms (measured by CPM) that have differential changes in participants who receive high exposure CPM as an intervention from those who receive low or no exposure. The study will also assess the magnitude and efficiency of CPM contributing additional variance to a regression model predicting pain sensitivity after positive and negative affect, pain anxiety, and depression are considered in the model, establishing measures of central pain processing, like CPM, as unique contributors to pain intensity.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 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
. Not currently seeking treatment for pain past month;
. between 18 - 75 years old.
Exclusion criteria
. non-English speaking;
. systemic medical condition is known to affect sensation (i.e., diabetes);
. regular use of prescription pain medication to manage pain;
. current or history of chronic pain condition;
. currently using blood thinning medication;
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.
. any contraindication to the application of ice or cold packs, such as uncontrolled hypertension, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, and circulatory compromise;
. involved in vigorous physical activities like heavy lifting, digging, aerobics or fast bicycling.