Study Timeline
Use the table below to prepare yourself for each in-person and remote visit. To learn more about the study protocol visit our Protocol page and the Assessments page.
Knee replacement surgery study participants will also do functional testing on the sensory testing days.
Surveys
- For study visits 1, 2, and 3 there are a series of surveys to do (about 1 – 1.5 hrs).
- You will get a notification to complete the surveys remotely, prior to the in-person visits.
- If you can’t complete them ahead of time, you can complete them at the visit.
- We will also send you brief surveys to complete just prior to your surgery and daily for 4 weeks after surgery.
- While there will be no in-person study visit at 6 months, there will be a set of surveys to complete from home (about 30 min), and a 12 month brief follow-up survey (5 min).
Sensory Testing
For study visits 1 and 3, we will assess your pain sensitivity and pain with movement.
- Pressure Testing: Pain thresholds with a small pressure device will be assessed 3 times at your chest and your shoulder.
- Repeated Poke Test: Using a metal filament (thickness of a paperclip), you will rate any pain that occurs initially and after we tap 10 times at two different sites, your chest, and your shoulder.
- Cold water test: You will place one hand in a bucket of very cold water. After a minute, the pressure testing will be repeated on your shoulder.
- Light touch test: A soft brush will be applied at the chest with pain ratings recorded after each stimulation.
- Coughing/deep breathing: You will place one hand on your stomach and be asked to take deep breaths and cough.
Blood Draw
- For study visits 1, 2, and 3 blood samples will be collected (about 2 tablespoons each visit).
Functional Testing
For study visits 1 and 3, you will do two timed tests:
- A walking test of 10 meters, about 30 feet.
- A stand-up and sit-down test, 5 times in a row from a chair. You will rate your pain before and after each test.
Sensory Testing
For study visits 1 and 3, we will assess your pain sensitivity.
- Pressure Testing: Pain thresholds with a small pressure device will be assessed 3 times at your knee and your
shoulder.
- Repeated Poke Test: Using a metal filament (thickness of a paperclip), you will rate any pain that occurs initially
and after we tap 10 times at two different sites, your knee, and your shoulder.
- Cold Water Test: You will place one hand in a bucket of very cold water. After a minute, the pressure testing will be
repeated at your shoulder.
Blood Draw
- For study visits 1, 2, and 3 blood samples will be collected (3 tubes).
Brain Imaging
For study visits 1 and 3, you will have an MRI to image your brain. To learn more, visit out Brain Imaging page.
- You must remain still during portions of this test. It will take about 60 minutes.
- Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing with no zippers or metal buttons. (Women wear a sports bra, if able, and no under-wire bras) If unable, there will be gowns available for use.
- A pressure cuff, like a blood pressure cuff, will be applied to your calf and partially inflated to induce some pressure pain for 6 minutes during the imaging.
