The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on conditioned pain modulation in healthy older adults
Investigating the Effects of Brain Stimulation on Pain Perception
Brief description of study.
The purpose of this study is to test and compare the influence of transcranial direct current stimulation over the motor cortex and the cerebellum upon your experience of pain for various painful stimuli, including cold and pressure stimuli.
Detailed description of study
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of anodal (excitatory) tDCS on pain inhibitory capacity during conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in healthy older adults.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: healthy,older adults
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Age: 55 years - 79 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria
Do not have diabetes, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions or diseases
Exclusion Criteria
Neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction
Neurological drugs
Chronic opioid use
Current use of narcotics
Current use of tobacco products
Uncontrolled hypertension
Chronic cardiovascular or metabolic disease
This study investigates how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, affects pain perception. The focus is on the motor cortex and cerebellum, which are parts of the brain involved in movement and coordination. The study aims to understand how these areas influence the experience of pain from stimuli like cold and pressure.
Participants will undergo procedures involving anodal tDCS, which is a type of stimulation that increases brain activity, to assess its impact on pain inhibitory capacity. This is measured during a process called conditioned pain modulation (CPM), where the body's natural ability to diminish pain is evaluated.
- Who can participate: Healthy older adults who do not have diabetes, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions or diseases can participate. Individuals using neurological drugs, chronic opioids, narcotics, tobacco, or with uncontrolled hypertension are excluded.
- Study details: Participants will receive transcranial direct current stimulation, which is a non-invasive procedure where a mild electrical current is applied to the scalp. The study will compare the effects of stimulation on different brain areas related to pain perception.