Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk III: Stress and Resilience

Pain inhibition

Time frame: baseline

Pain inhibition will be assessed using a conditioned pain modulation task with cold water as the conditioning stimulus and electric stimulations as the test stimulus.

Inhibition of pain-related spinal reflex

Time frame: baseline

Pain-related spinal reflex inhibition assessed from electromyogram will be assessed using a conditioned pain modulation task with cold water as the conditioning stimulus and electric stimulations as the test stimulus.

Inhibition of pain-evoked cortical potentials

Time frame: baseline

Inhibition of pain-evoked cortical potentials from electroencephalography will be assessed using a conditioned pain modulation task with cold water as the conditioning stimulus and electric stimulations as the test stimulus.

Psychological stress

Time frame: baseline

A single latent variable measuring psychological stress will be created using principal components analysis to combine scores from three self-report questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Global Distress Index of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C).

Somatic threat sensitivity

Time frame: baseline

A single latent variable measuring somatic threat sensitivity will be created using principal components analysis to combine scores from the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and a pain-related anxiety visual analog scale.

Allostatic load

Time frame: baseline

A single latent variable for allostatic load will be created using principal components analysis to combine cardiovascular (i.e., resting blood pressure and heart rate, stress-evoked blood pressure and heart rate, and a fasting lipids profile \[HDL, LDL total cholesterol, and triglycerides\]), metabolic (i.e., BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, HbA1c), neuroendocrine (i.e., diurnal salivary cortisol, stress-evoked salivary cortisol), immune (i.e., hs-CRP), and parasympathetic (i.e., resting heart rate variability) variables.

Environmental structural racism and discrimination

Time frame: baseline

An index comprised of 11 environmental justice variables from the Environmental Protection Agency's publicly available Environmental Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN) will be created for each participant at the 2010 Census Block Group level. The 11 variables will be combined into a single index using principal components analysis.

Cultural connectedness

Time frame: baseline

A single latent variable of cultural connectedness will be created using principal components analysis to combine scores from five self-report scales: the Cultural Connectedness Scale, the Community Mastery Scale, the Vancouver Index of Acculturation, the American Indian Enculturation Scale, and the Native American Spirituality Scale

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

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How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.