Faculty/School
Faculty of Health
Topic status
We're looking for students to study this topic.
Supervisors
- Position
- Senior Lecturer in Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Division / Faculty
- Faculty of Health
External supervisors
- Dr Rocco Cavaleri, Western Sydney University
Overview
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) describes a reduction in pain intensity and sensitivity following exercise. This hypoalgesic response is thought to contribute towards the success of exercise as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been shown to bolster the effects of EIH. While the addition of tDCS to exercise may have promising clinical applications for the treatment of chronic pain, several knowledge gaps remain relating to the magnitude of effect and time-course of analgesia. Thus, the overarching aim of this project is to better understand the magnitude and time-course of EIH when combining tDCS and exercise. Results from this project will help optimise exercise therapy interventions for chronic pain and have the potential of revolutionising the clinical utility of tDCS.
Research engagement
The student will engage in a literature review and lab-based work. They will get hands on experience using state-of-the-art brain stimulation technology and gain experience with data collection in the pain and neuromodulation laboratory at Kelvin Grove. They will also be immersed in the research environment, involving regular journal clubs and research meetings.
Research activities
The student will be apart of a lab group with other higher degree research students. Activities that the student will undertake include the development and implementation of an advance literature search, writing a study protocol paper, and engaging in laboratory actives that involve physiological assessments.
Outcomes
To determine the magnitude and time-course of exercise-induced hypoalgesia when combining tDCS and exercise.
Results from this project will help optimise exercise therapy interventions for chronic pain and have the potential of revolutionising the clinical utility of tDCS.
Skills and experience
GPA >5.5
Completed a first-year level human anatomy and/or physiology course
Start date
1 November, 2024End date
21 February, 2025Location
Kelvin Grove (Q-block)
Additional information
The student will be provided with the necessary equipment, lab space, and supervisory expertise to complete the proposed project. Meetings will be scheduled regularly to ensure they are well supported throughout their research experience.
Keywords
Contact
Simon Summers, simon.summers@qut.edu.au