Pain Modulatory Profiles in Stretching

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to characterize immediate changes in pain sensitivity during stretching to the point of pain, stretching in a pain free range, and a cold water immersion task. Participants will attend three sessions during which they will undergo pain sensitivity assessment and complete the assigned intervention.

Official Title
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Pain Modulatory Profiles in Stretching in Healthy Participants

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Cold Water Immersion
* Other: Pain Inducing Stretch
* Other: Pain Free Stretch


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Pain Free Exclusion Criteria: Non-English speaking Regular use of prescription pain medications Current or history of chronic pain condition Currently taking blood-thinning medication Any blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia Systemic medical condition known to affect sensation, such as uncontrolled diabetes or neurological conditions Any contraindication to the application of ice, such as: uncontrolled hypertension, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, circulatory compromise Not physically ready to exercise without a medical exam as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+) Surgery, injury, or fracture to the neck or upper extremity within the past 6 months Unable to perform the stretch Unable to attend all three sessions

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Cold Water Immersion<br>Participants will complete a cold water immersion task to the hand for one minute, four times. Change in Pressure Pain Threshold will be measured between each one-minute interval on the web space of the foot between the first and second toes. | Other: Cold Water Immersion<br>* Cold Water Immersion task of hand<br>|
| Experimental: Pain Inducing Stretch<br>Participants will be seated in a chair and asked to complete an upper trapezius stretch. They will feel a gentle stretch in the area between the top of their shoulder and the base of their neck. Participants will be asked to stretch until the point of pain. They will hold this stretch for 1 minute, 4 times. Change in Pressure Pain Threshold will be examined on the web space of their foot between each one minute interval of the stretch. Participants will be notified that they may stop the stretch at any point if needed. | Other: Pain Inducing Stretch<br>* Moderately painful stretch of the neck<br>|
| Active Comparator: Pain Free Stretch<br>Participants will be seated in a chair and asked to complete an upper trapezius stretch. They will feel a gentle stretch in the area between the top of their shoulder and the base of their neck. Participants will be asked to stretch in a pain free range. They will hold this stretch for 1 minute, 4 times. Change in Pressure Pain Threshold will be examined on the web space of their foot between each one minute interval of the stretch. Participants will be notified that they may stop the stretch at any point if needed. | Other: Pain Free Stretch<br>* Pain free stretch of the neck<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Pressure Pain Threshold | A pressure algometer will be applied between the first and second toe until the pressure sensation first becomes painful. Pressure pain threshold is applied between each one minute interval of the intervention. | Change in PPT is applied between minutes 1,2,3,4 of the intervention and for up to 15 minutes after each intervention. |