Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2025
Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Central sensitization in adolescents with hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-a
Elke Schubert-Hjalmarsson1,2, Anders Fasth3,4, Kelly Ickmans5,6,7
1Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. elke.schubert.hjalmarsson@gu.se.
Background:
Pain is a major symptom in adolescents with hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Although the underlying mechanism causing generalized pain in children with hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is unclear, central sensitization has been suggested as a possible explanation. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of a study protocol for a future case-control study, investigating features of central sensitization in adolescents with hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Methods:
Central sensitization features were measured in ten patients and nine healthy controls aged 13-17 years via experimental pain measurement quantifying primary and secondary hyperalgesia, endogenous pain modulation, and exercise-induced hyperalgesia. Descriptive statistics were used. Frequency, median, and range values were calculated.
Results:
Eleven out of 57 patients chose to participate. No control could be recruited through public schools. Therefore, a convenience sampling strategy was used for the recruitment of the control group. The process of assessing primary and secondary hyperalgesia, endogenous pain modulation, and exercise-induced hyperalgesia was well tolerated by all participants (patients and controls). When assessing endogenous pain modulation via conditioned pain modulation, two participants in the patient group and three in the control group did not achieve a pain experience ≥ 3 on the numerical rating scale when immersing their hands in cold water.
Conclusion:
This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and toleration of experimental pain measurements in adolescents with hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Although the test protocol proved to be sufficiently feasible for use with the participant group, it will need to be adapted in the main study in order to obtain more reliable data. Recruitment, especially of participants for the control group, can be a major obstacle for future studies and requires careful planning.
Trial Registration:
Researchweb.org, 270,501. Registered on 9 May 2019.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
01:30Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence