Intermittent Light Walking for Musculoskeletal Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byKelly Marie Naugle

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Indiana University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effect of brief bouts of intermittent walking on bodily pain, pain during movement, and how the body adapts to musculoskeletal pain in older adults.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants should be in stable health and able to perform the required activities.

Inclusion Criteria

I have experienced pain in my joints, bones, or muscles in the last month.

I live in my own home, not in a healthcare facility.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants will be asked to not participate in vigorous or unaccustomed exercise 48 hours prior to each study session.

My blood pressure is controlled, and I have no history of heart failure or heart attacks.

I can't walk for 6 minutes without help.

+6 more

Participant Groups

The study investigates how brief periods of light walking versus uninterrupted sitting affect bodily pain, movement-related pain, and adaptation to musculoskeletal discomfort in seniors.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Uninterrupted Sitting for 1 hourExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The participant will remain seated throughout the experimental period and will be instructed to minimize excessive movement, only rising from the chair to void. This experimental condition is designed to mimic prolonged uninterrupted sedentary behavior.

Group II: 1 hour of sitting interrupted with 2.5 minute bouts of light intensity walkingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will sit as described above with six bouts of 2.5-minutes of light intensity walking (see Figure 2). Overall, the bouts will occur on six occasions, providing a total of 15 minutes of light intensity activity. Participants will be asked to walk at a light intensity based on the 6-20 RPE scale, which corresponds to a 9-11 RPE rating. This experimental condition is designed to mimic sedentary behavior interspersed with frequent short bouts of LPA. RPE and pain intensity (0-100 scale) will be assessed at the end of each walking bout.