NCT07602595 · Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
The BRIDGE Pain Study
(BRIDGE)
What this study is about
The purpose of the study is to discover at least two distinct Musculoskeletal pain subtypes. These types are caused by different brain-and-immune system signals that affect how the body feels pain, and they are also shaped by a person's biology, psychology, and social environment. Aim 1. We want to sort adolescents and young adults with long lasting muscle and bone pain into two different groups.
View original scientific description
The purpose of the study is to discover at least two distinct Musculoskeletal pain subtypes. These types are caused by different brain-and-immune system signals that affect how the body feels pain, and they are also shaped by a person's biology, psychology, and social environment. Aim 1. We want to sort adolescents and young adults with long lasting muscle and bone pain into two different groups. To do this, we will look at participants' childhood medical histories, past treatments, when their pain started, the sex they were assigned at birth, what their pain feels like now, tests of how their body senses pain, and immune system markers found in their blood. We think we will find at least two different types of chronic pain groups, plus one group of patients who had a higher risk for pain (because of a rheumatic disease or past surgery) but never developed long term pain. Aim 2. We want to find out if certain patterns of inflammation in the body change how nerve cells react to pain. Aim 3: We want to understand how different biological, psychological, and social factors are connected to the chronic pain groups we identified. We think we will find certain mental, behavioral, and social risks-as well as protective factors-that help explain why some people develop long-lasting pain and others do not. We expect these factors to play different roles in each pain group, including the group that does not develop chronic pain.
Interventions
OTHER
Not applicable- observational study
This is an observational study. No intervention is present.
Primary outcome measures
Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) Profile (Pressure)
Time frame: Baseline
CPM is defined by the change in pressure thresholds (increase) before and during cold immersion. Pressure thresholds will be measured using an algometer.
Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) Profile (Heat)
Time frame: Baseline
CPM is defined by the change in heat pain intensity (decrease) before and during cold immersion. Heat stimuli will be delivered by a thermode and pain intensity measured by participant self report on the visual analog scale.
Temporal Summation (TS) Profile
Time frame: Baseline
TS is defined by the change in mechanical pain intensity (increase) after exposure to a series of pinprick stimuli. Pain intensity will be measured by participant self report on the visual analog scale.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of rheumatic/autoimmune disease/pain condition or surgery prior to age 18; Current age 14 to 26 years; Participant (and parent/legal guardian of participants \< 18 yo) can read and write in English; At least 1 year from diagnosis of pain or rheumatic disease; For individuals with MSK surgical history, at least 1 year after initial surgical intervention; For individuals with rheumatic disease, their disease must be considered inactive
Exclusion criteria
- They have active disease, or Other major medical comorbidities have developed after surgery following MSK surgical intervention.
Where
- Cincinnati, Ohio
Collaborators
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
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?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
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.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations