Does pain mess with your walk? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT07054840

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Delaware Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how short-term pain affects the ability of older adults to learn and remember a new way of walking. Researchers will apply a cream with capsaicin (the stuff that makes chili peppers hot) and a heat pack to one leg to create temporary pain. Participants will walk on a treadmill with belts moving at different speeds, and their step patterns will be measured. The goal is to understand how pain impacts motor learning and memory, which could inform future therapies for older adults.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Capsaicin 0.1% cream
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help design better rehabilitation programs for older adults recovering from injuries or dealing with pain.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 34 participants, focused on understanding basic mechanisms rather than testing a treatment. Results may not apply to real-world pain conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGING MOTOR LEARNING OLDER ADULTS PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Health Sciences Complex
RECRUITING

Newark, Delaware, 19713, United States

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