Unraveling the Nature of Impaired Pain Inhibition in Patients With Chronic Whiplash-associated Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2013-12-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The primary study aim is to unravel the nature of impaired pain inhibition during exercise in patients with chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD). This will be ascertained by examining whether activation of serotonergic and/or noradrenergic descending pathways improves pain inhibition during exercise in these patients. In addition, it is aimed at examining whether activation of serotonergic and/or noradrenergic descending pathways prevents post-exertional malaise following submaximal exercise in chronic WAD patients. A secondary study aim comprises of examining the effect of an acute submaximal exercise with and without activation of serotonergic or noradrenergic descending pathways on chronic WAD patients' cognitive performance. Furthermore, the isolated effect of activated serotonergic and noradrenergic descending pathways on chronic WAD patients' cognitive performance will be studied.

• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Treatments: Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Citalopram; Dexetimide

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria for patients:

• WAD grades I to III according to the Quebec Task Force criteria

• experienced a whiplash trauma at least three months ago

• with chronic pain as a result of a whiplash injury

• 18-65 years of age and with Dutch as their native language will be able to participate

Exclusion Criteria for patients:

• other comorbidities or health issues that could explain the pain complaints

• < 18years > 65 years

• pregnant or until 1 year postnatal (for women)

• use of anti-depressive, anti-epileptic and pain medication.

Inclusion Criteria for healthy volunteers:

• 18-65 years of age and with Dutch as their native language will be able to participate

• having a sedentary job and doing < 3 h moderate physical activity/week

• being painfree without any chronic disease

Exclusion Criteria for healthy volunteers:

• < 18years > 65 years

• pregnant or until 1 year postnatal (for women)

• use of anti-depressive, anti-epileptic and pain medication.