Does pain have an effect on strength of the opposite limb?
This study aims to identify the effect of knee pain on muscle strength in the opposite, non-painful leg. Current research indicates a possibility that central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) mechanisms play a role in the strength deficits observed in painful muscles. This study will assist in identifying the extent of these mechanisms, and provide a better understanding of altered movement patterns exhibited during pain to inform rehabilitation strategies.
Files
Participant consent TESStessa info sheetHealthy volunteers included
Inclusion criteria
· Age between 18-40
· Speaks and writes English
· Normal limb function
· New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
· Males and females
Exclusion criteria
· Previous significant trauma to upper/lower limbs and/or trunk with any current musculoskeletal or neural symptoms
· Any diagnosed neurological disorders
· Use of pain medications on the day or day prior to testing
· Pain (1/10 or greater) anywhere in body on the day of testing
· High Pain Catastrophising beliefs as identified by a score on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale that is greater than an aggregate of 30 of a possible 52.
· Any diagnosed spinal disorders