Capsaicin and Heat for Motor Learning in Aging Adults

Overseen By Ashley Fath

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Delaware

Must not be taking: Analgesics

Disqualifiers: Mental health, Cardiovascular, Neurological, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 2 days

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how short-term pain might affect learning to move better, specifically in older adults. Researchers will apply a combination of capsaicin cream (which causes a hot, burning sensation) and a heat pack to induce this pain. The trial will compare participants experiencing this pain with those who do not receive any treatment. Individuals aged 55 to 90, who feel generally healthy and do not have ongoing pain or certain health conditions, may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding pain management and movement improvement in older adults.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you do not use any pain relief medications, including over-the-counter remedies, during the study. However, taking baby aspirin for heart health is allowed.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that using capsaicin 0.1% cream with a heat pack to induce pain is generally safe. Studies have found that capsaicin can temporarily increase skin sensitivity to heat. Interestingly, older adults experience a similar increase in pain as younger people with this method, making the treatment predictable across different ages.

Other studies have used capsaicin to reduce sensitivity to heat and itchiness over time, indicating it is well-tolerated. Although some people might initially feel more pain, this sensation usually decreases. Therefore, while the treatment might cause some discomfort, it is not considered harmful. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using capsaicin combined with heat for improving motor learning in aging adults because it introduces a novel way of enhancing sensory input. Unlike traditional physical therapy methods that focus on repetitive exercises, this approach uses capsaicin to create a mild, controlled pain response, potentially boosting the brain's ability to learn and adapt. The combination with heat may enhance this effect, offering a unique pathway to potentially improve motor skills more effectively.

What evidence suggests that capsaicin and heat could be effective for motor learning in aging adults?

Research has shown that using capsaicin cream with heat can alter pain perception. One study found that this combination temporarily increased skin warmth and sensitivity. Another study using a similar method demonstrated a reduction in pain sensation. In this trial, participants in the "Pain" arm will receive capsaicin and heat combined to induce acute pain, potentially aiding older adults in learning. This suggests the treatment could alter pain perception and possibly assist in learning movements in older adults. Meanwhile, participants in the "No Pain" arm will receive no intervention. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Susanne Morton

Principal Investigator

University of Delaware

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for generally healthy older adults aged 55-90 who speak English and can consent to participate. They must be willing to experience induced pain using capsaicin with heat but cannot have a resting heart rate or blood pressure outside of specified ranges, any significant mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, allergies to capsaicin or hot peppers, skin sensitivity issues, certain medical conditions affecting daily living, impaired sensation in legs, serious head injuries, balance problems or frequent falls.

Inclusion Criteria

Self-identifying as generally medically healthy

Able to read, write and speak English

Able to provide informed consent and attend all testing sessions

Exclusion Criteria

Resting heart rate < 50 or > 100 bpm

Resting blood pressure < 90/60 or > 165/95

History of any mental health condition, learning/developmental disability, or cognitive impairment, including severe untreated ADD/ADHD, severe untreated anxiety, severe untreated depression, autism spectrum disorder, insomnia, mild cognitive impairment, etc. (Mild to moderate treated ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression are allowed.)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo an experimental pain paradigm using capsaicin and heat to study its impact on locomotor learning

2 days

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention and forgetting of locomotor learning

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Capsaicin 0.1% cream combined with heat pack

Trial Overview The study tests how acute pain from capsaicin cream combined with heat affects learning and retaining new walking patterns (motor learning) in older adults. Participants will undergo this experimental pain paradigm while their ability to adapt their walking is observed.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pain Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Will receive capsaicin and heat combined to induce acute pain.

Group II: No Pain Active Control 1 Intervention

Will receive no intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Delaware

Lead Sponsor

Trials

167

Recruited

25,700+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10692602/

Age-related differences in the time course of capsaicin ... We conclude that, given the same intensity of noxious stimulation, older adults display a similar magnitude of hyperalgesia as younger persons.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3773074/

The effect of topical capsaicin-induced sensitization on heat ... Sensitization significantly enhanced skin temperature for up to 30 min and compared with non-sensitized skin at 10 min. Females showed the strongest response ...

3. scholarworks.umt.edu scholarworks.umt.edu/umcur/2024/posters/34/

Impact Of Topical Capsaicin Cream On Thermoregulation ... 0.1% topical capsaicin application to exposed limbs prior to walking in a cold environment does not alter whole-body thermoregulation or thermal perception.

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38379484/

Impact of Topical Capsaicin Cream on Thermoregulation ... 0.1% topical capsaicin application to exposed limbs prior to walking in a cold environment does not alter whole-body thermoregulation or thermal perception.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/246064386_A_heat-capsaicin_model_of_pain_anticipation_significantly_alters_the_perception_of_pain_reduction

A heat-capsaicin model of pain: anticipation significantly ... Results: As a result of the spa therapy and treatments administered on an outpatient basis there was reduction of pain intensity observed.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07054840

Pain and Split-belt Motor Learning in Older Adults Will receive capsaicin and heat combined to induce acute pain. Intervention/Treatment, Behavioral : Capsaicin 0.1% cream combined with a heat pack and applied ...

7. aging.networkofcare.org aging.networkofcare.org/sanmateo/CommunityResources/ClinicalTrials/Detail/NCT03587220?keyword=%22Capsaicin%22

San Mateo Clinical Trial A Mechanistic Evaluation of the ... ... capsaicin patch causes profound desensitization to painful heat stimuli and itch provocations. Therefore, the investigators would like to monitor the ...