European journal of pain : EJP
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of High Versus Low Cognitive Load on the Development of Nociceptive Hypersensitivity: The Roles of Sympathetic Arousal, Sex, and Pain-Related Fear.
According to limited-capacity theories of attention, less attentional resources remain available when engaging in a high- versus a low-demanding cognitive task. This may reduce the perceived intensity and the evoked cortical responses of concomitant nociceptive stimuli. Whether and how the competition for limited attentional resources between a cognitive task and pain impacts the development of long-lasting hypersensitivity is unclear. ⋯ Previous research has mainly focused on cognitive load effects on the perception of acute painful stimuli. Yet this study extends our understanding by investigating cognitive load effects on the development of long-lasting secondary hypersensitivity, a common aspect in numerous persistent pain conditions. As cognitive tasks are presented during a painful procedure inducing secondary hypersensitivity, we test the long-lasting effects of cognitive load. Additionally, we used psychophysiological measurements to explored potential underlying mechanisms involving limited attentional resources and sympathetic arousal.