Actively Recruiting
Neural Mechanisms of Light Driven Analgesia in Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Healthy Controls
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2026-05-13
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how light affects pain relief by studying the brain activity of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and healthy individuals. The study focuses on understanding the connections between visual brain areas and parts of the brain that sense pain. They will also examine how different colored lights change brain activation patterns, especially during pressure pain, to better understand light-driven pain relief mechanisms. Participants will be exposed to different light stimuli during MRI scans, including equal energy white light, static green light, and an S-cone modulating visual stimulus. Before scanning, each participant will undergo sensory testing to measure pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation. A pressure cuff will be used to apply pain at a consistent level during imaging. The scanning session includes resting state scans and functional imaging of brain responses to the light and pain stimuli. During the study, participants will have pain assessments after each scan block to track pain levels. Researchers will analyze brain imaging data to study functional connectivity and brain activation patterns related to light and pain stimuli. The study will also collect sensory testing data before scanning to explore pain thresholds and responses. Participants will be involved in assessments, MRI scans lasting about an hour, and pre-scan pain testing, with the study continuing until 2030.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neural Mechanisms of Light Driven Analgesia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults 18 years of age or older
- No planned medication or treatment changes for the next 3 months
- Willing and able to undergo MRI
- Not claustrophobic
- Alert, oriented, and able to provide informed consent
- Able to speak and read English
- For chronic musculoskeletal pain participants: score of at least 7 on Widespread Pain Index and 5 on Symptom Severity Scale, or 4-6 on WPI and 9 on SSS
- Pain symptoms present for 3 months or longer
- Pain present in at least 4 out of 5 body regions
- Average pain severity of 4 or higher on a 0-10 scale in the month before enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Retinal vision disorders or conditions causing vision impairment
- Photosensitivity, photophobia, or light aversion
- Disorders including uveitis, cataracts, color-blindness, or history of seizure disorder
- Planned analgesic treatment changes in next 3 months (surgery, medication changes, injections, pain procedures)
- Prisoner status
- Pregnancy
- Contraindications to MRI including implanted ferromagnetic materials, non-compatible medical devices, or claustrophobia
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.
Duration - Within approximately 2 hours before imaging
Participants undergo assessments of pain-related covariates and quantitative sensory testing to evaluate pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation prior to imaging.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 hour
Participants undergo MRI scanning while exposed to visual light stimuli and an evoked pressure pain stimulus, with pain assessments performed following each scan block.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Matthew Mauck, MD, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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