Join a Study
Research continues on many fronts to better understand the causes of various, and often overlapping, pain conditions. It is with greater understanding that we expect to identify alternative treatment approaches that improve the lives of people suffering with unremitting pain. Currently, several research studies are being conducted at CACPR.
Study on Genetics and Facial, Jaw, and Headache Pain
Would you be interested in participating in a research study? The University of Maryland is looking for participants for a study which examines links between pain processing, genes, and psychological traits in both healthy volunteers and people with jaw, face, and head pain.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
You may qualify if:
- You are 18 to 65 years of age
- You speak and understand English
- You are either in good health or you have had headaches, facial pain, and/or jaw pain recently
What would I do as a study participant? ▾
This research study:
- Requires one screening visit for ensuring eligibility
- Requires one experimental study session lasting no more than four hours
Compensation for all sessions and parking vouchers are provided. In certain cases, travel expenses may be reimbursed. If you are interested, please email us at NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu or call 410-706-5975.
Healthy Participants Needed for Research Study: Virtual Reality and Pain in the Brain
The study investigates how Naloxone and pain are processed in the brain. Two visits are required (one visit will last from two to three hours, and another visit that will last from three to four hours). The second visit will involve magnetic resonance imaging to investigate brain processes of pain under naloxone.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
You may qualify if:
- You are 18-55 years of age
- You are fluent in written and spoken English
- You are in good health
You may receive compensation for the sessions (up to $150) and parking vouchers.
What would I do as a study participant? ▾
The study investigates how the perception of pain is impacted by virtual reality. One visit (approximately three to four hours) and will include electroencephalogram (EEG). $100 compensation and a parking voucher are provided
Research Study: Pain Perception in the Brain
The study investigates how pain is processed in the brain. Two visits are required (one that will last two to three hours, and the other that will last three to four hours). The second visit will involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate brain processes.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
You may qualify if:
- You are 18 to 55 years of age
- You are fluent in written and spoken English
- You are in good health
What would I do as a study participant? ▾
You may receive compensation for the sessions (up to $150) and parking vouchers.
Contact: NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu or 410-706-5975.
Healthy Participants Needed for a Research Study: Vasopressin and Pain in the Brain
The study investigates how vasopressin and pain is processed in the brain. Two visits are required (one session will be two to three hours, and the other will be three to four hours).
The second visit will involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate brain processes.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
You may qualify if:
- You are 18 to 55 years of age
- You are fluent in written and spoken English
- You are in good health
What would I do as a study participant? ▾
Compensation for both sessions and parking vouchers are provided.
Contact: NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu or 410-706-5975.
Sleep and Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
Adults living with sickle cell disease report acute, painful vaso-occlusive crises and chronic pain. In this clinical trial, teams at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University investigate how the brain regulates the perception of pain and how sleep might influence chronic pain. Participants will undergo testing for multiple in-person visits, which will include one phone screen, two brain-imaging sessions, sensory testing, interventions for sleep problems and two follow-ups completed online.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
This study seeks men and women who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease and are at least 18 years old.
fMRI of Prolonged Pain (EEG-fMRI study of pain sensitivity)
This study seeks to understand the brain regions associated with peak alpha frequency, a putative marker of prolonged pain sensitivity.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
Individuals who are 18 years or older with no history of chronic pain are eligible to participate.
What would I do as a study participant? ▾
Contact the Seminowicz Lab at 410-706-4049 or send an email to Debra Henke.
Cerebral Oscillations of Pain
In the current proposal, we examine the precise brain mechanisms associated with this marker, and test it against several alternative mechanisms, with the overall goal of understanding the brain networks involved in the pain-alpha relationship and their association with psychosocial and sensory variables.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
Individuals 21 to 65 years of age with no history of chronic pain are eligible to participate.
Meditation Effects on Brain Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis (MANTRA)
The purpose of this study is to determine and optimize the neural mechanisms supporting mindfulness-based pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Who is eligible to participate? ▾
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an interest in meditation are eligible to participate.