Actively Recruiting
Investigation of the Neurophysiological and Psychological Aspects of Itch
Led by Aalborg University · Updated on 2024-11-22
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to explore how performing a motor imagery task affects brain excitability during acute muscle pain and two types of itch: histaminergic and non-histaminergic. Itch and pain share some mechanisms, but the impact of motor imagery on itch-related brain changes is not well understood. The study seeks to determine whether motor imagery can counteract the decrease in brain excitability seen in both pain and itch conditions. Participants will experience experimentally induced muscle pain through an injection of hypertonic saline and two itch types triggered by histamine application and Cowhage spicules. Researchers will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure brain responses and motor-evoked potentials. Motor imagery tasks will be performed to assess their effect on cortical excitability during these stimulations. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including numeric rating scales for itch and pain after each induction. Brain excitability will be recorded at baseline, during itch or pain stimulation, during the motor imagery task, and after induction. Additional psychological and sleep questionnaires will be completed at baseline. Safety screening for TMS will be conducted, and participants will be monitored throughout the study period, which runs until the end of 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effects of Performing a Motor Imagery Task on Cortical Excitability During Acute Experimental Muscle Pain and Acute Itch
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy men and women
- Between 18 and 60 years old
- Speak and understand English
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Drug addiction including cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs
- Previous or current neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, or psychiatric disorders that may affect study results
- Current use of antihistamines, antipsychotics, painkillers, systemic or topical steroids
- Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis
- Presence of moles, scars, or tattoos in the treatment or test area
- Consumption of alcohol or painkillers within 24 hours before or during study days
- Acute or chronic pain
- Unable to pass the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen
- Contraindications to TMS including epilepsy or metal implants in head or jaw
- Implanted hearing aids or metal implants on face, permanent makeup or tattoos
- Participation in other trials within one week (four weeks for pharmaceutical trials)
- Lack of ability to cooperate
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Participants undergo experimental induction of itch or pain using methods such as hypertonic saline injection, histamine application, or cowhage insertion, along with measurements of cortical excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Participants also perform a motor imagery task during the stimulation.
1 in-person visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Aalborg University
Gistrup, Denmark, 9260
Actively Recruiting
2
Aalborg University
Gistrup, Denmark, 9260
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Silvia Lo Vecchio
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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