Human Research Coordination

Researchers at the University of Delaware are exploring how pain may help or hurt the learning and remembering of new movements, such as walking.

If you are between 18-35 years old  OR between  55-85 years old, in generally good health, and are willing to participate in two 2-hour testing sessions, you may be eligible.

Testing will consist of several short bouts of walking on a treadmill, a few short pain response tests, and completing some tests of your memory and thinking skills. We will schedule the testing sessions at a time that is convenient for you, and all testing sessions will be at the UD STAR Campus.

You may be randomized into a group that receives an experimental pain stimulus on your leg or a group that receives nothing. The experimental pain consists of applying capsaicin (the chemical in spicy peppers that makes them hot) and a heat wrap on your lower leg, which is expected to be painful  but is not harmful.  If randomized into this group, you would only receive the capsaicin + heat on the first day of testing. You can stop participating at any point if you feel pain beyond your tolerance.

You will be compensated up to $50 for completing the study.
 
If you think you might be interested in participating, please reach out to the Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity Lab at RNP-Lab@udel.edu or call/text 302-283-9936

Inclusion Criteria:
-18-35 (YA group only) OR 55-85 (OA group only) years old
-Self-identifying as generally medically healthy
-Able to read, write, and speak English
-Able to provide informed consent and attend all testing sessions
-Willing to undergo the experimental pain process

Exclusion Criteria
-Any history or current 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.
-Any current (within last 3 month) or chronic medical conditions, including any musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, psychiatric, or neurological diagnosis, that (for OA group only) affects activities of daily living or would confound testing or place the subject at risk by participating, such as a significant cardiovascular condition or event (e.g., heart attack 5 minutes and/or requiring medical treatment, or 2 concussions over the lifespan
-Any history of acute or chronic problems with balance, any dizziness, or 1 fall in the last 12 months
-Currently or regularly using any analgesic medications, over-the-counter remedies, or any other treatment for the purposes of pain relief (i.e., baby aspirin for heart health permitted, etc.)
-Any current or chronic pain condition during the last year, located anywhere in the body with a (OA group only) pain intensity of 2/10
-Allergy to capsaicin or hot peppers
-Any skin lesion, breakage, or irritation in the area targeted for the painful stimulus
-Skin sensitivity to soaps/creams/perfumes or to heat
-Poor circulation in the area targeted for the painful stimulus
-Prior participation in a locomotor learning study in the Neuromotor Behavior Lab in the past 2 years
-Failing any additional screening measures conducted during the first visit

Please send an email to RNP-Lab@udel.edu or you can call/text 302-283-9936