None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
We are looking to investigate the effect of alcohol on simultaneous touch sensation. There are specific areas within the brain that are vital for deciphering touch. When two areas of skin are touched simultaneously, some of these brain areas are excited and some are inhibited. A greater ability to determine between two simultaneous stimuli (a reduction Two Point Discrimination threshold) has been associated with increased inhibition in the brain. Recent research has shown that alcohol can increase inhibition within the brain. With this in mind we look to explore the possibility that alcohol could improve tactile acuity, lowering the Two Point Discrimination threshold.
Interventions
Alcohol will be administered to the intervention group orally via consumption of high strength spirits (e.g. 30ml nip of vodka, 40% alc. Volume) in one session only. Alcohol dosage will be administered according to the gender, age and weight of the participant over a 30 minute period with the intention of attaining a blood alcohol content of 0.08 – 0.12. Two-point discrimination will be assessed by trained physiotherapists using a commercially available tool.
Sponsors
University of South Australia
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Pain free healthy participants with: no existing morbidities (eg diabetes, peripheral vascular disease); normal sensation throughout testing sites to light touch, blunt/pin prick.
Exclusion criteria
No known or suspected pregnancy
Outcome results
None listed