Acute Pain Effects on Motor Skills
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
To date, the effects of pain on motor learning have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in older adults. Broadly, the purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of acute pain on locomotor learning and its retention in older adults. The investigators hypothesize that acute pain impairs retention of locomotor learning in young and older adults and that in older adults, these deficits are worsened and are related to the degree of normal age-related cognitive decline.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any analgesic medications or treatments for pain relief, except for baby aspirin used for heart health.
Is paracetamol generally safe for humans?
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is widely used and generally considered safe for short-term use in humans when taken as directed. However, long-term use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and slightly raise blood pressure. Pregnant women should use it cautiously, as it might affect fetal development.12345
How does this drug differ from other treatments for acute pain?
This treatment uses acetaminophen, which is unique for its ability to relieve pain without the significant side effects often associated with stronger pain medications like opioids. It is also part of a 'multimodal analgesia' approach, meaning it can be combined with other pain relievers to enhance effectiveness while minimizing the need for higher doses of any single drug.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Paracetamol for acute pain effects on motor skills?
Research shows that Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is effective in reducing pain after surgeries, such as cleft palate repair in children, and is widely used for its pain-relieving properties. This suggests it may help manage acute pain, which could indirectly support motor skills by reducing discomfort.611121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Susanne M Morton, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Delaware
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for medically healthy young adults aged 18-35 and older adults aged 55-85 who can read, write, and speak English. They must be able to consent and attend all sessions, willing to experience experimental pain or non-painful stimulation. Young participants will be sex-matched with an older participant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either a pain stimulus or no stimulus to study the effects on motor learning
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for retention of locomotor learning and cognitive performance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- distractor delivery
- pain delivery
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Delaware
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator