Investigating Nerve Signals in Knee Pain and Fibromyalgia
Investigating the Role of Central Pain Hypersensitivity in Skeletal Muscle Neural Drive
Recruiting
Observational Study
Chronic Knee PainFibromyalgia
No Placebo Group
Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo.
Healthy Volunteers Welcome
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
No Study Drug
Researchers observe your health over time — no experimental treatment is given.
Ready to participate?
Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.
At a Glance
Age
40 and older
Sex
Any
Study type
Observational
Participants needed
135 (estimated)
Sponsor
University of Nottingham · Other
Who this trial is looking for
This trial is looking for adults aged 40 and over who have chronic knee pain, fibromyalgia, or are healthy and pain-free. Participants will undergo sensory testing, muscle activity measurements, and complete questionnaires.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
You may be able to join if
I have chronic knee pain that rates 4 or higher on a pain scale.
I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a healthcare provider.
I have pain from fibromyalgia that rates 4 or higher on a pain scale.
I am 40 years or older
I am pain-free and do not have osteoarthritis.
You may not be able to join if
I have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35.
I weigh 250 kg or more.
I am pregnant.
I cannot give my consent.
I cannot meet the clinical assessment requirements.
I have done strenuous exercise in the last 24 hours.
I have consumed alcohol on the day of testing.
I have consumed caffeine on the day of testing.
Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria.
The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can
confirm whether you qualify.
Think this trial could be right for you?
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may meet the eligibility requirements.
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 conditio…
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.
Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Knee pain group
* History of knee pain with an intensity level of 4 out of 10 or greater (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable) for most days in the past 3 months
Fibromyalgia group
* Fibromyalgia diagnosis (participant self-reporting a previous diagnosis by…
Inclusion Criteria:
Knee pain group
* History of knee pain with an intensity level of 4 out of 10 or greater (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable) for most days in the past 3 months
Fibromyalgia group
* Fibromyalgia diagnosis (participant self-reporting a previous diagnosis by a clinician)
* Pain with an intensity level of 4 out of 10 or greater (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable) for most days in the past 3 months
Control group
\- Pain free individuals without known osteoarthritis
Exclusion Criteria:
* BMI\>35
* Body weight of 250kg or higher
* Pregnancy (women)
* Inability to give consent
* Inability to meet the requirements of clinical assessment
* Performed strenuous physical exercise in the past 24 hours prior to testing
* Consumed alcohol on day of testing
* Consumed caffeine on day of testing
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