Spatial factors influencing the pain-ameliorating effect of CT-optimal touch: a comparative study for modulating temporal summation of second pain.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies show that CT-optimal touch, gentle slow stroking of the skin, can reduce pain. However, much is unknown regarding the factors influencing its pain-ameliorating effect, such as tactile attention and touch application site. The current study investigates in 36 healthy individuals, whether CT-optimal touch can reduce temporal summation of second pain (TSSP) compared to CT non-optimal touch and tapping the skin. TSSP refers to activation of the C-nociceptors; by stimulating these fibers a burning and/or tingling sensation can be elicited. All participants underwent three conditions on both the contralateral and ipsilateral side of pain induction. The results show that tapping the skin did not reduce TSSP, meaning that pain reduction through touch cannot be explained by tactile a

SUBMITTER: Meijer LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10831064 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature