The Effects of Performing a Motor Imagery Task on Cortical Excitability During Acute Experimental Muscle Pain and Acute Itch
Investigation of the Neurophysiological and Psychological Aspects of Itch
Aalborg University
30 participants
Oct 1, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The aim of this project is to determine the effects of performing a motor imagery task on cortical excitability during acute experimental muscle pain (induced by hypertonic saline), acute histaminergic itch (induced by histamine), and non-histaminergic itch stimulation (triggered by Cowhage). We hypothesize that motor imagery will counteract the alterations in cortical excitability observed during experimental muscle pain and both itch models.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Healthy men and women
- -60 years
- Speak and understand English
Exclusion Criteria13
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs
- Previous or current history of neurological (e.g. neuropathy), immunological (e.g. asthma, immune deficiencies, arthritis), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscular pain in the upper extremities,), cardiac disorder (e.g., heart stroke), or psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. depression) that may affect the results
- Current use of medications that may affect the trial, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and painkillers, as well as systemic or topical steroids
- Skin diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis)
- Moles, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested.
- Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
- Acute or chronic pain
- Unable to pass the "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen" (subproject 1 and 2)
- Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) application (history of epilepsy, metal implants in head or jaw, etc.)
- Presence of implanted hearing aids or metal implants on the face, including permanent makeup or tattoos
- Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)
- Lack of ability to cooperate
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Interventions
A bolus injection of hypertonic saline (7% NaCl) will be administered to the FDI muscle using a 1 mL syringe with a disposable needle (27G), and the volume of the bolus will be 0.1 mL
A small drop of histamine dihydrochloride will be applied to a previously determined area on the volar forearm, followed by a prick through the drop
This insertion is conducted by forceps using a stereomicroscope, and 30-35 spicules are gently rubbed into a 1 cm diameter skin area.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to evoke motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the muscle of interest and cortical responses (TMSevoked potentials - TEPs) in the motor cortex with a figure-eight-shaped cone coil.
Locations(2)
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NCT06503523