Evaluation of a Novel Class of Objective Myofascial Pain Assessments

Description

This is an observational study that is intended to determine the capacity of three technologies to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for myofascial pain syndrome. Investigators will seek patients with myofasical pain syndrome as well as healthy subjects for this study. Electrical impedance myography (EIM), myofiber threshold tracking (TT) excitability testing, and ultrasound with shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements will be obtained from the trapezius muscle (the muscle that extends over the back of the neck and shoulders). These measurements will be repeated within 2-5 days to assess repeatability of these methods.

Conditions

Myofascial Pain, Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Talk to us

Study Overview

On this page

Study Details

Study overview

This is an observational study that is intended to determine the capacity of three technologies to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for myofascial pain syndrome. Investigators will seek patients with myofasical pain syndrome as well as healthy subjects for this study. Electrical impedance myography (EIM), myofiber threshold tracking (TT) excitability testing, and ultrasound with shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements will be obtained from the trapezius muscle (the muscle that extends over the back of the neck and shoulders). These measurements will be repeated within 2-5 days to assess repeatability of these methods.

Electrophysiological and Ultrasound Quantitative Biomarkers for Myofascial Pain

Evaluation of a Novel Class of Objective Myofascial Pain Assessments

Condition
Myofascial Pain
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Boston

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114

Boston

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Ages: 18-80
  • 2. Myofascial Pain Syndrome with active and/or latent TrPs, as diagnosed by a pain specialist, with involvement of the trapezius meeting criteria (detailed in "Methods"))
  • 3. Capacity to manage breakthrough pain medications during the study with only acetaminophen
  • 1. Presence of radicular pain, superimposed neuromuscular disease, or condition
  • 2. Fibromyalgia or other generalized pain condition
  • 3. Opioid use
  • 4. Active mood or substance use disorder
  • 5. Taking or unable to wean off pain medications that directly affect neuronal or muscle excitability at least 2 weeks prior to study enrollment and remain off for the duration of the study: gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline), tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, methocarbamol, benzodiazepines
  • 6. Skin allergy or sensitivity that would preclude the use of adhesive electrodes
  • 7. Systemic or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the Site Investigator would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the trial.
  • 8. Anticoagulation (with coumadin, clopidogrel, or direct oral anticoagulants; aspirin acceptable).

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,

Study Record Dates

2025-11-01