Pain and Split-belt Motor Learning in Older Adults
University of Delaware
Summary
The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of acute pain, induced using an experimental pain paradigm of capsaicin paired with heat, on implicit locomotor learning and its retention in older adults.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 55–90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 55-90 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 paradigm, if selected Exclusion Criteria: * Resting heart rate \< 50 or \> 100 bpm * Resting blood pressure \< 90/60 or \> 165/95 * 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…
Interventions
- BehavioralCapsaicin 0.1% cream combined with a heat pack and applied to the lower leg
Capsaicin is applied to the skin of one of the lower legs, then covered with a heat pack that is secured to the leg with self-adhesive wrap.
Location
- Health Sciences ComplexNewark, Delaware