Sport & Pain: Participants wanted for UKE study (min. €162 remuneration)

Background

The Institute for Systemic Neuroscience at the UKE is looking for participants for a study investigating the basics and the connection between physical activity and pain processing. The physical activity consists of cycling on an indoor bicycle. Pain stimuli are triggered for a few seconds either by a type of blood pressure cuff, which causes slight pressure pain on the upper arm, or by a thermode, which generates slight heat stimuli on the forearm using a small heat plate.

Both the pain stimuli and the physical exertion are customised to your individual needs and pose no health risk.

In addition, on the 2nd and 3rd day of the study you will be given either the preparation Naloxone (see information below) or an ineffective saline solution intravenously.

Procedure

Duration: 3 days (at least 2 days apart), each approx. 3 hours

• Day 1: Clarification and threshold determination/calibration of the heat and pressure stimulus and the sporting load (FTP test)
• Day 2: Alternating cycling/rest and application of pain stimuli as well as the administration of a pharmacological preparation (naloxone or placebo)
• Day 3: Alternating cycling/rest and application of pain stimuli as well as the administration of a pharmacological preparation (naloxone or placebo)

Compensation:

• Compensation: at least €162 (18 €/h) if all study appointments are successfully completed
• approx. 9 hours of work (often faster)

Where

The study takes place at the UKE in building W32.

As part of this study, physical and pain-related stimuli are examined under controlled conditions. On the first day of the study, you will ride a cycle ergometer to determine your individual physical capacity. This may involve moderate to high physical exertion, which is why a certain level of basic fitness is required.

During the examination, you will receive controlled pressure stimuli on the upper arm and heat stimuli on the forearm. These stimuli may be perceived as unpleasant or painful, but are completely harmless and do not involve any health risks.

On the second and third examination dates, you will also be administered either the drug naloxone or an ineffective saline solution (placebo) via a venous access placed by medical staff. In order to avoid so-called placebo effects, you will not be told which of the two preparations you will receive on which day.

Information on Naloxone: 

Naloxone is an active ingredient that has been authorised for decades and is regularly used in everyday clinical practice. It has a targeted effect on the body's own opioid system, which is involved in pain processing, among other things, and inhibits its activity. In healthy individuals, naloxone generally causes no or only very minor noticeable effects. Serious side effects are rare to very rare. Continuous medical supervision is provided throughout the study. 

Important note: On the day of administration of Naloxone or placebo, you should not actively participate in road traffic or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

If you are interested in participating in the study, you will receive a detailed information sheet with all relevant details about the procedure .