Facilities and Equipment
Laboratory Space
The Pain Modulation and Rehabilitation (PMR) Lab is located in the newly renovated Rehabilitation Sciences Complex at 3333 N. Mesa Street, El Paso, Texas 79902. Our dedicated 400-square-foot research facility is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology for pain research and provides a comfortable, professional environment for study participants. Lab features include:
- Private testing area with therapy bed
- Dedicated space for informed consent and questionnaires
- Computer workstations for data monitoring and processing
- Climate-controlled environment
- Adjacent to departmental administrative support
- Free parking available directly outside the building
- Accessible via multiple public transportation routes
Equipment
Quantitative Sensory Testing Equipment
Thermal Pain Assessment:
- Medoc TSA-2 Advanced Thermosensory Analyzer - State-of-the-art system for precise heat and cold pain threshold testing
- Thermo Scientific Arctic A10B SC100 Refrigerated Heated Bath with SC100 Circulator - For conditioned pain modulation protocols
Mechanical Pain Assessment:
- Wagner FDIX 50 Hand-held Pressure Algometer - For measuring pressure pain thresholds
- Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Set - For tactile sensitivity testing
Muscle Strength & Function:
- Dynamometer for strength assessment
Physiological Monitoring:
- Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring systems
- Real-time physiological data collection equipment
Data Collection:
- iPad and laptop computers with REDCap secure data management software
- Dual-monitor desktop computers for data analysis
Shared Exercise Physiology Equipment
The Pain Research Lab has access to a 1,000-square-foot shared research space equipped with:
Aerobic Exercise Equipment:
- Treadmill for exercise-induced hypoalgesia studies
- Two stationary bikes for controlled aerobic exercise protocols
- Parvo Medics Metabolic System for VO2 max testing and precise exercise intensity monitoring
Additional Features:
- Participant waiting area
- Research assistant workspace
- Study coordination office space
Access to Advanced Neuromodulation Equipment
Through collaboration with Dr. Shashwati Geed's laboratory, our team has access to cutting-edge neuromodulation technology:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
- Magstim 2002, Bistim2, and Rapid2 TMS systems
- Figure-of-eight D70 Alpha coil and D70 Air Film Coil
- Brainsight 2 Frameless Stereotactic Neuronavigation System
- Brain oscillation state sensor (BOSS device)
- Two-channel Brainsight EMG module for motor-evoked potential measurement
Neurophysiological Testing:
- BrainVision 64-channel actiCHamp-Plus EEG system (TMS-compatible)
- High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS)
- Delsys Trigno Wireless Electromyography system
Computing & Statistical Resources
Software Access: All lab members have access to:
- Microsoft Office 365
- Statistical software: SPSS, SAS, RStudio, MATLAB
- REDCap for secure data management
- EndNote for reference management
- Encrypted cloud storage (5TB OneDrive for Business)
Data Security:
- HIPAA-compliant network and cloud storage
- Duo 2-factor authentication
- Encrypted data backup systems
- Secure high-speed internet (wired and wireless)
Additional Opportunities and Resources
Pro Bono Clinics: The Department operates two affiliated La Fe Clinics for participant recruitment and clinical translation:
- UTEP Location: 3333 N. Mesa St (within our building)
- Downtown Location: 1314 Yandell Dr (7 minutes away)
Both clinics serve patients with chronic musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, providing excellent opportunities for translational research.
Clinical Network: Access to 70+ contracted local hospitals and clinics for recruitment and collaboration
Institutional, College and Department Support
Institutional Research Support Services:
- Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) - 41-member staff providing grant support, protocol development, and career development
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) - Average review time: 10-14 days
- Biostatistics Unit - Expert statistical consultation and data analysis support
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC) - NIMHD-funded infrastructure and mentorship programs
College Resources:
- CHS REACHED (Research, Evaluation, and Academic Center on Health Disparities)
- Monthly research seminars and speaker series
- Grant review support and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
- Administrative support for clinical trials
Department Resources:
- Monthly research meetings with NIH-funded faculty
- Protected research time for investigators
- Administrative support for purchasing, equipment maintenance, and personnel hiring
- Collaborative environment with expertise in cardiovascular health, neurorehabilitation, neuroplasticity, and chronic pain
