Analysis of a chronic pain vulnerability model
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of a chronic pain vulnerability model
IRAS ID
286117
Contact name
Anthony Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 25 days
Research summary
Study of chronic pain vulnerability.
Why? Chronic pain affects 19% of the European population (Breivik et al., 2006), nevertheless, treatment for it is still elusive, in part because what makes someone vulnerable to develop chronic pain is still largely unknown.
What? This research tries to answer the question of what are the different factors that make people vulnerable to develop chronic pain, therefore, it could be classified as a study of a disease, its aetiology and diagnose.
Who? Research will be carried out in three groups of participants: chronic pain patients, individuals at risk of developing chronic pain, and healthy participants.
Where? Research will be carried out in a research site that is part of the NHS and the University of Manchester (CSB building of the Salford Royal NHS foundation).
How? The study will last one hour and a half. Participants will first receive all the information regarding the study and if they decide to consent the experiment will begin. First, we will take a blood sample (to get information about genetics and the immune system). Afterwards, participants will be asked to complete a set of psychological questionnaires. To follow up, they will be given some painful (but safe) stimulation to measure their pain threshold and tolerance. This will be done through small electric shocks and asking them to introduce their hand in cold water. To finish participants will be asked to complete a cognitive task, a task in which they have to pick different cards that are followed by some painful stimulation. While measurements of pain threshold/tolerance are taken and the cognitive task is performed we will record brain activity by using a Electroencephalogram device (a device that measures electrical activity in the brain).
Funders: This research is part of a doctorate programme funded by the Medical Research Council.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
20/WA/0321
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion