RecruitingNCT07281651

Investigating the Role of Central Pain Hypersensitivity in Skeletal Muscle Neural Drive

Investigating the Role of Central Pain Hypersensitivity in Skeletal Muscle Neural Drive, in People With Knee Pain, and in People With Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Pain-Neural Drive)


Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrollment

135 participants

Start Date

Nov 24, 2025

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Background: pain lasting for 12 weeks or beyond, which is often referred to as chronic pain, is common for people living with musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. arthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia). Pain is often not directly related to the degree of muscle or joint damage. Adaptations of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) often occur in chronic musculoskeletal conditions and can influence how we feel pain (central pain hypersensitivity). Pain can impact on muscle activity and movement. Muscle activity is also governed by nerve signals from the central nervous system (neural drive). The goal of this cross-sectional observational study is to investigate whether chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with altered nerve signalling (neural drive) to skeletal muscles in adults 40 years or over with chronic knee pain, fibromyalgia and healthy pain free volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are:- * Is central pain hypersensitivity associated with altered nerve signalling to skeletal muscles in adults 40 years or over with chronic pain (knee pain and for fibromyalgia) as well as healthy volunteers? * Is altered nerve signalling to skeletal muscles associated with physical function and disability? Participants will be asked to:- * Have sensory testing to determine how they feel pain * Complete static leg and arm muscle contractions with electrodes on the skin to measure muscle electrical activity * Complete questionnaires * Perform a short set of mobility tasks including walking, rising from a chair and balancing.


Eligibility

Min Age: 40 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating how chronic pain affects the way muscles are controlled by the nervous system. Researchers want to understand whether conditions like knee pain or fibromyalgia (widespread pain throughout the body) change how the brain signals muscles to work. **You may be eligible if...** - You have had knee pain rated at least 4 out of 10 for most days over the past 3 months, OR - You have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia with pain rated at least 4 out of 10 for most days, OR - You are pain-free and do not have known osteoarthritis (for the healthy control group) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your BMI is above 35 - You weigh more than 250 kg - You are pregnant - You are unable to give consent or meet clinical assessment requirements - You did strenuous exercise in the past 24 hours - You consumed alcohol or caffeine within 4 hours before the test Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERCentral Pain Hypersensitivity

No intervention carried out


Locations(1)

University of Nottingham Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby

Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom

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NCT07281651


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