Actively Recruiting
Exploring the Acute and Dynamic Relationships Between Movement and Pain in Older Adults With Musculoskeletal Pain
Led by Indiana University · Updated on 2026-04-17
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how brief periods of light walking affect pain and the body's response to musculoskeletal pain in older adults. It focuses on comparing the effects of sitting continuously versus sitting interrupted by short bouts of walking on resting pain, pain during movement, and the body's pain regulation. The study is designed for adults aged 55 to 85 who have experienced musculoskeletal pain recently. Participants will complete two study sessions at the National Institute of Sport Fitness. Each session involves either sitting uninterrupted for 1 hour or sitting with six 2.5-minute bouts of light walking, totaling 15 minutes of light activity. The study sessions include tests like quantitative sensory testing (QST), a 6-minute walk test, questionnaires, and a 30-second chair stand test. The second session repeats the first but swaps the sitting conditions. During the study, researchers will monitor pain responses before and after each experimental condition using tests for pain sensitivity, pain modulation, and movement-evoked pain. Participants' medication use will be tracked to maintain consistency. The study measures how pain changes with activity and rest, helping to understand pain management in older adults. The total time for each session is about 2.5 to 3 hours, with sessions separated by at least 7 days.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exploring the Acute and Dynamic Relationships Between Movement and Pain in Older Adults With Musculoskeletal Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Community-dwelling men and women
- Experienced musculoskeletal pain (pain affecting joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles) in the past month
- Aged between 55 and 85 years
- Able to walk for 6 minutes without assistive devices
- Willing to take medications at the same time prior to each study visit
You will not qualify if you...
- Uncontrolled blood pressure over 150/99 mmHg, heart failure, or history of recent heart attack
- Angina in the last month
- Serious systemic disease or condition restricting normal daily activities
- Neurological diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy
- Serious psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder or recent psychiatric hospitalization
- Known peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic opioid use for 90 days or more
- Unable to walk for 6 minutes without assistive devices
- Recent vigorous or unaccustomed exercise within 48 hours before study sessions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 sessions lasting 3 hours and 2.5 hours, separated by at least 7 days
Participants complete two study sessions to compare the effects of uninterrupted sitting versus sitting interrupted with brief bouts of light intensity walking on pain and movement. Each session includes questionnaires, pain testing, a 6-minute walk test, and a 1-hour experimental condition followed by a chair stand test.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
250 University Blvd
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kelly M Naugle, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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