Future Leaders in Pain Research

2007 Grant Recipient: Laura A. Frey Law, PhD PT

The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Individual Differences Contributing to Muscle Pain Heterogeneity

Please state which institution you are currently conducting research.

The University of Iowa

How did receiving the Future Leaders in Pain Research Grant impact your career in pain research?

It provided the necessary funding to collect pilot data for my K01 grant application, which I received. In addition it supported work that was presented for peer feedback as poster and oral presentations at APS annual meetings.

What is your current research focus? Briefly describe the importance of this work and how it advances the APS goals, mission, and your own personal development.

I am continuing to study pain variability – trying to better characterize factors that predict differences in pain perception. I have become particularly interested in central sensitization and referred pain measures. In addition I am studying muscle fatigue, and factors contributing to variability in fatigue resistance. Because pain and fatigue are often used as diagnostic and prognostic indicators, a stronger understanding of which factors which may influence their perception may benefit individualized medicine one day.

Are you still an APS member? If yes, do you feel that it has been of value to your professional development?

Yes, I continue to be an APS member and have become increasingly involved in the Society since receiving my Future Leaders in Pain Grant, including serving on the Nomination committee, the Scientific Program Committee, the Membership Committee, and now will begin my term as a Director-At-Large this coming year. I find the inter-professional nature of the APS is highly valuable as I learn so much from the many different disciplines represented.