Effects of Acute Pain on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

The effects of pain on cognitive performance have not been thoroughly investigated. Broadly, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of acute pain on performance of a variety of cognitive performance measures. The investigators hypothesize that acute pain impairs cognitive performance, particularly cognitive measures of working memory, attention, and processing speed.

Abbreviations: HR= heart rate, bpm= beats per minute; BP= blood pressure; ADD= attention deficit disorder; ADHD= attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; MoCA= Montreal Cognitive Assessment; GAD-7= Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale; PHQ-2, PHQ-9= Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and -9.Inclusion Criteria:18-35 years oldSelf-identifying as generally medically healthyAble to read, write and speak EnglishAble to provide informed consentWilling to undergo the experimental pain or non-painful electrical stimulation, if selectedExclusion Criteria:Resting HR < 50 or > 100 bpmResting BP < 90/60 or > 140/95 mmHgAny history or current mental health condition, learning/developmental disability or cognitive impairment, including ADD/ADHD, severe anxiety, severe depression, autism spectrum disorder, insomnia, mild cognitive impairment, etc.Score on the MoCA <23Score on the GAD-7 ≥ 10Score on the PHQ-2 ≥ 2 and score on the PHQ-9 ≥ 10Any current (within last 3 month) or chronic medical conditions, including any musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, metabolic, psychiatric or neurological diagnosisAny implanted electronic medical devices (i.e., cardiac pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, spinal cord neurostimulators)Any impaired sensation or weakness in either lower extremity or in the area targeted for the stimulusHistory of serious concussion or head injury, defined as a loss of consciousness for > 5 minutes and/or requiring medical treatment, or > 2 concussions over the lifespanAny history of acute or chronic problems with balance, any dizziness, or > 1 fall in the last 12 monthsTaking 4 or more medicationsCurrently or regularly using any analgesic medications, over-the-counter remedies, or any other treatment for the purposes of pain relief (i.e., baby aspirin for heart health permitted, etc.)Any current or chronic pain condition during the last year, located anywhere in the bodyAllergy to capsaicin or hot peppersAny skin lesion, breakage or irritation in the area targeted for the painful stimulusSkin sensitivity to soaps/creams/perfumes or to heatPoor circulation in the area targeted for the painful stimulusPrior participation in a locomotor learning study in this lab within the last 2 years