University of Exeter Medical School

Jan Vollert

Jan Vollert

Lecturer

 J.Vollert@exeter.ac.uk

 Medical School Building G.09

 

Medical School Building, St Luke's Campus, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

I am a chronic pain researcher from Germany, where I did my PhD in neurophysiology at the University of Heidelberg. After six years at Imperial College, I have joined the University of Exeter as a Lecturer in October 2023.

My background is in data science and statistics, and I collaborate with clinicians across the UK and Europe to analyze multifaceted datasets searching for predictors of developing chronic pain (for example after surgery) and predicting response to treatment to enable personalized pain medicine.

If you can’t find me at my desk, I am likely to be hiking the coastal path or the Moors, scrambling mountain paths in Norway, or scuba diving in tropical waters with my trusty DSLM camera.

Qualifications

  • Dr sc hum (Neurophysiology)
  • MSc (Bioinformatics)
  • BSc (Molecular Biology)

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Research

Research interests

My research focusses on chronic pain, the development and prevention of it, and improving treatment options for those affected. I use data mining methods to uncover hidden structures in large, holistic pain datasets.

One method I specialize in is Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) for neuropathic pain. QST as a means of assessing the psychophysical function of the peripheral sensory nervous system has been used to quantify both loss and gain of nervous function for decades. The German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain has developed a standardized protocol, that is by now accepted and used across Europe and applied on each continent (except Antarctica, to the best of our knowledge).

We could show that patients suffering from peripheral neuropathic pain present QST profiles that can be categorized into three phenotypes, characterized mainly by (a) sensory loss, (b) preserved sensation and thermal hyperalgesia, and (c) loss of small fibre function in combination with mechanical hyperalgesia.

The European Medicines Agency has acknowledged that these profiles can be used as biomarkers for a mechanism-based stratification for future medication, enhancing the chance of effective, but selective new medication to reach the market in the future.

This is one example of my work and interests, but I work on many other methods of quantifying and phenotyping pain as well, such as patient reported outcomes, peripheral nerve structural and functional quantification, genomics, and proteomics.

Research projects

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Publications

Journal articles

Kumar A, Soliman N, Gan Z, Cullinan P, Vollert J, Rice ASC, Kemp H (2024). A systematic review of the prevalence of postamputation and chronic neuropathic pain associated with combat injury in military personnel. Pain, 165(4), 727-740. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bordeleau M, Vincenot M, Bačkonja M, Cruz-Almeida Y, Forstenpointner J, Gauthier L, Marchand S, Mercier C, Ocay DD, PrudHomme M, et al (2024). Beyond numbers: integrating qualitative analysis into quantitative sensory testing for neuropathic pain. Frontiers in Pain Research, 5
Badrulhisham F, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Segelcke D, Spisak T, Vollert J (2024). Machine learning and artificial intelligence in neuroscience: a primer for researchers. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 115, 470-479.
Vollert J, Kumar A, Coady EC, Cullinan P, Dyball D, Fear NT, Gan Z, Miller EF, Sprinckmoller S, Schofield S, et al (2024). Pain after combat injury in male UK military personnel deployed to Afghanistan. Br J Anaesth Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Fardo F, Attal N, Baron R, Bouhassira D, Enax-Krumova EK, Freynhagen R, Hansson P, Jensen TS, Kersebaum D, et al (2024). Paradoxical heat sensation as a manifestation of thermal hypesthesia: a study of 1090 patients with lesions of the somatosensory system. Pain, 165(1), 216-224. Abstract.  Author URL.
Haroutounian S, Holzer KJ, Kerns RD, Veasley C, Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Carman KL, Chambers CT, Cowan P, Edwards RR, et al (2024). Patient engagement in designing, conducting, and disseminating clinical pain research: IMMPACT recommended considerations. Pain, 165(5), 1013-1028. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Phalip J, Chan J, Gauhe G, Soliman N, Vollert J, Lunde SJ, Vase L (2024). Placebo analgesia in physical and psychological interventions: Systematic review and meta-analysis of three-armed trials. Eur J Pain, 28(4), 513-531. Abstract.  Author URL.
Frisaldi E, Vollert J, Al Sultani H, Benedetti F, Shaibani A (2024). Placebo and nocebo responses in painful diabetic neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 165(1), 29-43. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Segelcke D, Weinmann C, Schnabel K, Fuchtmann F, Rosenberger DC, Komann M, Maessen T, Sauer L, Kalso E, et al (2024). Responsiveness of multiple patient-reported outcome measures for acute postsurgical pain: primary results from the international multi-centre PROMPT NIT-1 study. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 132(1), 96-106.
Kemp HI, Vollert J, Davies NWS, Moyle GJ, Rice ASC (2023). A Comparison of Self-reported Pain Measures Between Sensory Phenotypes in HIV-associated Sensory Neuropathy. J Pain, 24(1), 112-127. Abstract.  Author URL.
Zhang XY, Diaz-delCastillo M, Kong L, Daniels N, MacIntosh-Smith W, Abdallah A, Domanski D, Sofrenovic D, Yeung TPS, Valiente D, et al (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain. PLoS One, 18(9). Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J (2023). Addressing the elephant in the T-maze: Developing experimental conduct guidelines for neuroscience. J Neurosci Methods, 398 Abstract.  Author URL.
Lawn T, Sendel M, Baron R, Vollert J (2023). Beyond biopsychosocial: the keystone mechanism theory of pain. Brain Behav Immun, 114, 187-192. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, et al (2023). Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article I): a systematic review and description of methods. Pain, 164(3), 469-484. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, et al (2023). Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article II): a meta-analysis relating methods to trial results. Pain, 164(3), 509-533. Abstract.  Author URL.
Kemp HI, Kennedy DL, Vollert J, Davies NWS, Scott W, Rice ASC (2023). Chronic pain and cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study in people living with HIV. AIDS Care, 35(8), 1201-1214. Abstract.  Author URL.
Coxon L, Vollert J, Perro D, Lunde CE, Ferreira-Gomes J, Charrua A, Abreu-Mendes P, Krassowski M, Birch J, Meijlink J, et al (2023). Comprehensive quantitative sensory testing shows altered sensory function in women with chronic pelvic pain: results from the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain (TRiPP) Study. Pain, 164(11), 2528-2539. Abstract.  Author URL.
Fetell M, Sendel M, Li T, Marinelli L, Vollert J, Ruggerio E, Houk G, Dockum M, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, et al (2023). Cutaneous nerve fiber and peripheral Nav1.7 assessment in a large cohort of patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain, 164(11), 2435-2446. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bova G, Domenichiello A, Letzen JE, Rosenberger DC, Siddons A, Kaiser U, Anicich A, Baron R, Birch J, Bouhassira D, et al (2023). Developing consensus on core outcome sets of domains for acute, the transition from acute to chronic, recurrent/episodic, and chronic pain: results of the INTEGRATE-pain Delphi process. eClinicalMedicine, 66 Abstract.
Wandner LD, Bloms-Funke P, Bova G, Domenichiello A, Hoffmann A, Iyengar S, Karp BI, Letzen J, Liedgens H, Mohapatra DP, et al (2023). INTEGRATE-Pain: a transatlantic consortium to advance development of effective pain management. Pain Med, 24(6), 730-733.  Author URL.
Soliman N, Kersebaum D, Lawn T, Sachau J, Sendel M, Vollert J (2023). Improving neuropathic pain treatment - by rigorous stratification from bench to bedside. J Neurochem Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Kleykamp BA, Farrar JT, Gilron I, Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Kerns RD, Mackey S, Markman JD, McDermott MP, Rice ASC, et al (2023). Real-world data and evidence in pain research: a qualitative systematic review of methods in current practice. Pain Rep, 8(2). Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Vase L, Scott W, Annoni M, Ajayi OK, Barth J, Bennell K, Berna C, Bialosky J, Braithwaite F, et al (2023). Recommendations for the development, implementation, and reporting of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials of physical, psychological, and self-management therapies: the CoPPS Statement. BMJ, 381  Author URL.
Fawsitt-Jones H, Vollert J, O'Daly O, Williams SCR, McMahon SB, Howard MA, Hughes SW (2023). Reliability of quantitative sensory testing in the assessment of somatosensory function after high-frequency stimulation–induced sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways. Pain, 165(4), 941-950. Abstract.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt DJ, Cherkin D, Rice ASC, Dworkin RH, Turk DC, McDermott MP, Bair MJ, DeBar LL, Edwards RR, Farrar JT, et al (2023). Research objectives and general considerations for pragmatic clinical trials of pain treatments: IMMPACT statement. Pain, 164(7), 1457-1472. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wong F, Reddy A, Rho Y, Vollert J, Strutton PH, Hughes SW (2023). Responders and nonresponders to topical capsaicin display distinct temporal summation of pain profiles. PAIN Reports, 8(3), e1071-e1071. Abstract.
Leone C, Galosi E, Esposito N, Falco P, Fasolino A, Di Pietro G, Di Stefano G, Camerota F, Vollert J, Truini A, et al (2023). Small-fibre damage is associated with distinct sensory phenotypes in patients with fibromyalgia and small-fibre neuropathy. Eur J Pain, 27(1), 163-173. Abstract.  Author URL.
Sachau J, Appel C, Reimer M, Sendel M, Vollert J, Hüllemann P, Baron R (2023). Test-retest reliability of a simple bedside-quantitative sensory testing battery for chronic neuropathic pain. Pain Rep, 8(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Langford DJ, Baron R, Edwards RR, Gewandter JS, Gilron I, Griffin R, Kamerman PR, Katz NP, McDermott MP, Rice ASC, et al (2023). What should be the entry pain intensity criteria for chronic pain clinical trials? an IMMPACT update. Pain, 164(9), 1927-1930.  Author URL.
Gierthmühlen J, Böhmer J, Attal N, Bouhassira D, Freynhagen R, Haanpää M, Hansson P, Jensen TS, Kennedy J, Maier C, et al (2022). Association of sensory phenotype with quality of life, functionality, and emotional well-being in patients suffering from neuropathic pain. Pain, 163(7), 1378-1387. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Trewartha N, Kemkowski D, Cremer AF, Zahn PK, Segelcke D, Pogatzki-Zahn EM (2022). Conditioned pain modulation and offset analgesia: Influence of sex, sex hormone levels and menstrual cycle on the magnitude and retest reliability in healthy participants. Eur J Pain, 26(9), 1938-1949. Abstract.  Author URL.
Raputova J, Rajdova A, Vollert J, Srotova I, Rebhorn C, Üçeyler N, Birklein F, Sommer C, Vlckova E, Bednarik J, et al (2022). Continuum of sensory profiles in diabetes mellitus patients with and without neuropathy and pain. Eur J Pain, 26(10), 2198-2212. Abstract.  Author URL.
Dohrn MF, Dumke C, Hornemann T, Nikolin S, Lampert A, Espenkott V, Vollert J, Ouwenbroek A, Zanella M, Schulz JB, et al (2022). Deoxy-sphingolipids, oxidative stress, and vitamin C correlate with qualitative and quantitative patterns of small fiber dysfunction and degeneration. Pain, 163(9), 1800-1811. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Wang R, Regis S, Yetman H, Lembo AJ, Kaptchuk TJ, Cheng V, Nee J, Iturrino J, Loscalzo J, et al (2022). Genotypes of Pain and Analgesia in a Randomized Trial of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Front Psychiatry, 13 Abstract.  Author URL.
Kamerman PR, Vollert J (2022). Greater baseline pain inclusion criteria in clinical trials increase regression to the mean effect: a modelling study. Pain, 163(6), e748-e758. Abstract.  Author URL.
Pia H, Nochi Z, Bloms-Funke P, Boesl I, Caspani O, Chapman SC, Fardo F, Genser B, Goetz M, Kostenko AV, et al (2022). IMI2-PainCare-BioPain-RCT1: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, multi-center trial in healthy subjects to investigate the effects of lacosamide, pregabalin, and tapentadol on biomarkers of pain processing observed by peripheral nerve excitability testing (NET). Trials, 23(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Leone C, Di Stefano G, Di Pietro G, Bloms-Funke P, Boesl I, Caspani O, Chapman SC, Finnerup NB, Garcia-Larrea L, Li T, et al (2022). IMI2-PainCare-BioPain-RCT2 protocol: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, multicenter trial in healthy subjects to investigate the effects of lacosamide, pregabalin, and tapentadol on biomarkers of pain processing observed by non-invasive neurophysiological measurements of human spinal cord and brainstem activity. Trials, 23(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Kleykamp BA, Draper-Rodi J, Vollert J, Chan J, Ferguson M, McNicol E, Phalip J, Evans SR, Turk DC, et al (2022). Pragmatic trials of pain therapies: a systematic review of methods. Pain, 163(1), 21-46. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J (2022). Sensory testing might not be perfect - but it is the best biomarker for pain phenotypes we have right now. Scand J Pain, 22(4), 673-675. Abstract.  Author URL.
Zhang XY, Barakat A, Diaz-delCastillo M, Vollert J, Sena ES, Heegaard A-M, Rice ASC, Soliman N (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in which burrowing behaviour was assessed in rodent models of disease-associated persistent pain. Pain, 163(11), 2076-2102. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Macleod M, Dirnagl U, Kas MJ, Michel MC, Potschka H, Riedel G, Wever KE, Würbel H, Steckler T, et al (2022). The EQIPD framework for rigor in the design, conduct, analysis and documentation of animal experiments. Nat Methods, 19(11), 1334-1337.  Author URL.
Kersebaum D, Sendel M, Fabig S-C, Sachau J, Lassen J, Rehm S, Forstenpointner J, Rümenapp J, Vollert J, Hüllemann P, et al (2022). The pandemic's effect on a patient cohort with painful polyneuropathy in 2020: a longitudinal study on pain, mood, and everyday life. Medicine (Baltimore), 101(50). Abstract.  Author URL.
Zhang XY, Vollert J, Sena ES, Rice AS, Soliman N (2021). A protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain. BMJ Open Sci, 5(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bordeleau M, Léonard G, Gauthier L, Ferland CE, Backonja M, Vollert J, Marchand S, Jackson P, Cantin L, Prud'Homme M, et al (2021). Classification of Qualitative Fieldnotes Collected During Quantitative Sensory Testing: a Step Towards the Development of a New Mixed Methods Approach in Pain Research. J Pain Res, 14, 2501-2511. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gurusamy KS, Moher D, Loizidou M, Ahmed I, Avey MT, Barron CC, Davidson B, Dwek M, Gluud C, Jell G, et al (2021). Clinical relevance assessment of animal preclinical research (RAA) tool: development and explanation. PeerJ, 9 Abstract.  Author URL.
Enax-Krumova E, Attal N, Bouhassira D, Freynhagen R, Gierthmühlen J, Hansson P, Kuehler BM, Maier C, Sachau J, Segerdahl M, et al (2021). Contralateral Sensory and Pain Perception Changes in Patients with Unilateral Neuropathy. Neurology, 97(4), e389-e402. Abstract.  Author URL.
Enax-Krumova EK, Baron R, Treede R-D, Vollert J (2021). Contralateral sensitisation is not specific for complex regional pain syndrome. Comment on Br J Anaesth 2021; 127: e1-3. Br J Anaesth, 127(5), e173-e176.  Author URL.
Hall KT, Vase L, Tobias DK, Dashti HT, Vollert J, Kaptchuk TJ, Cook NR (2021). Historical Controls in Randomized Clinical Trials: Opportunities and Challenges. Clin Pharmacol Ther, 109(2), 343-351. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mouraux A, Bloms-Funke P, Boesl I, Caspani O, Chapman SC, Di Stefano G, Finnerup NB, Garcia-Larrea L, Goetz M, Kostenko A, et al (2021). IMI2-PainCare-BioPain-RCT3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, multi-center trial in healthy subjects to investigate the effects of lacosamide, pregabalin, and tapentadol on biomarkers of pain processing observed by electroencephalography (EEG). Trials, 22(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bespalov A, Bernard R, Gilis A, Gerlach B, Guillén J, Castagné V, Lefevre IA, Ducrey F, Monk L, Bongiovanni S, et al (2021). Introduction to the EQIPD quality system. Elife, 10 Abstract.  Author URL.
Forstenpointner J, Ruscheweyh R, Attal N, Baron R, Bouhassira D, Enax-Krumova EK, Finnerup NB, Freynhagen R, Gierthmühlen J, Hansson P, et al (2021). No pain, still gain (of function): the relation between sensory profiles and the presence or absence of self-reported pain in a large multicenter cohort of patients with neuropathy. Pain, 162(3), 718-727. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Vollert J, Vogel S, Rice ASC, Draper-Rodi J (2021). Performing and interpreting randomized clinical trials. J Osteopath Med, 121(4), 443-445.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Schmelz M (2021). Reply to Bordeleau et al. Pain, 162(11).  Author URL.
Kennedy DL, Vollert J, Ridout D, Alexander CM, Rice ASC (2021). Responsiveness of quantitative sensory testing-derived sensory phenotype to disease-modifying intervention in patients with entrapment neuropathy: a longitudinal study. Pain, 162(12), 2881-2893. Abstract.  Author URL.
Srotova I, Kocica J, Vollert J, Kolcava J, Hulova M, Jarkovsky J, Dusek L, Bednarik J, Vlckova E (2021). Sensory and pain modulation profiles of ongoing central neuropathic extremity pain in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Pain, 25(3), 573-594. Abstract.  Author URL.
Soliman N, Haroutounian S, Hohmann AG, Krane E, Liao J, Macleod M, Segelcke D, Sena C, Thomas J, Vollert J, et al (2021). Systematic review and meta-analysis of cannabinoids, cannabis-based medicines, and endocannabinoid system modulators tested for antinociceptive effects in animal models of injury-related or pathological persistent pain. Pain, 162(Suppl 1), S26-S44. Abstract.  Author URL.
Kennedy DL, Ridout D, Lysakova L, Vollert J, Alexander CM, Rice ASC (2021). The association of sensory phenotype and concomitant mood, sleep and functional impairment with the outcome of carpal tunnel surgery. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 22(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Forstenpointner J, Enax-Krumova EK, Gierthmühlen J, Tölle T, Treede R-D, Baron R (2021). The need for previous knowledge does not render quantitative sensory testing a "failure" but part of a larger picture of the relationship between nociception and pain. Pain, 162(4), 1273-1274.  Author URL.
Sachau J, Bruckmueller H, Gierthmühlen J, Magerl W, May D, Binder A, Forstenpointner J, Koetting J, Maier C, Tölle TR, et al (2021). The serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) rs6313 variant is associated with higher ongoing pain and signs of central sensitization in neuropathic pain patients. Eur J Pain, 25(3), 595-611. Abstract.  Author URL.
Soliman N, Rice ASC, Vollert J (2020). A practical guide to preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 161(9), 1949-1954.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Cook NR, Kaptchuk TJ, Sehra ST, Tobias DK, Hall KT (2020). Assessment of Placebo Response in Objective and Subjective Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open, 3(9). Abstract.  Author URL.
Erdogan BR, Vollert J, Michel MC (2020). Choice of y-axis can mislead readers. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 393(9), 1769-1772. Abstract.
Rehmann R, Froeling M, Rohm M, Forsting J, Kley RA, Schmidt-Wilcke T, Karabul N, Meyer-Frießem CH, Vollert J, Tegenthoff M, et al (2020). Diffusion tensor imaging reveals changes in non-fat infiltrated muscles in late onset Pompe disease. Muscle Nerve, 62(4), 541-549. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bordeleau M, Carrondo Cottin S, Cantin L, Gaudin D, Alnemari A, Canuel J-F, Fugère F, Fournier-Gosselin M-P, Vollert J, Prud'Homme M, et al (2020). Effects of Tonic Spinal Cord Stimulation on External Mechanical and Thermal Stimuli Perception Using Quantitative Sensory Testing: a Multicenter Stimulation ON-OFF Study on Chronic Pain Patients. Clin J Pain, 36(3), 189-196. Abstract.  Author URL.
Huang W, Percie du Sert N, Vollert J, Rice ASC (2020). General Principles of Preclinical Study Design. Handb Exp Pharmacol, 257, 55-69. Abstract.  Author URL.
Pfau DB, Haroun O, Lockwood DN, Maier C, Schmitter M, Vollert J, Rice ASC, Treede R-D (2020). Mechanical detection and pain thresholds: comparability of devices using stepped and ramped stimuli. Pain Rep, 5(6). Abstract.  Author URL.
Meyer-Frießem CH, Attal N, Baron R, Bouhassira D, Finnerup NB, Freynhagen R, Gierthmühlen J, Haanpää M, Hansson P, Jensen TS, et al (2020). Pain thresholds and intensities of CRPS type I and neuropathic pain in respect to sex. Eur J Pain, 24(6), 1058-1071. Abstract.  Author URL.
Reimer M, Forstenpointner J, Hartmann A, Otto JC, Vollert J, Gierthmühlen J, Klein T, Hüllemann P, Baron R (2020). Sensory bedside testing: a simple stratification approach for sensory phenotyping. Pain Rep, 5(3). Abstract.  Author URL.
Mustonen L, Vollert J, Rice ASC, Kalso E, Harno H (2020). Sensory profiles in women with neuropathic pain after breast cancer surgery. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 182(2), 305-315. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Schenker E, Macleod M, Bespalov A, Wuerbel H, Michel M, Dirnagl U, Potschka H, Waldron A-M, Wever K, et al (2020). Systematic review of guidelines for internal validity in the design, conduct and analysis of preclinical biomedical experiments involving laboratory animals. BMJ Open Sci, 4(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Petropoulos IN, Al-Mohammedi A, Chen X, Ferdousi M, Ponirakis G, Kemp H, Chopra R, Hau S, Schargus M, Vollert J, et al (2020). The Utility of Corneal Nerve Fractal Dimension Analysis in Peripheral Neuropathies of Different Etiology. Transl Vis Sci Technol, 9(9). Abstract.  Author URL.
Haroun OMO, Vollert J, Lockwood DN, Bennett DLH, Pai VV, Shetty V, Wakade AV, Khodke AS, Schilder A, Pfau D, et al (2019). Clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain in leprosy and associated somatosensory profiles: a deep phenotyping study in India. Pain Rep, 4(6). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bazika-Gerasch B, Maier C, Kumowski N, Fiege C, Kaisler M, Vollert J, Dietrich JW (2019). Compared to limb pain of other origin, ultrasonographic osteodensitometry reveals loss of bone density in complex regional pain syndrome. Pain, 160(6), 1261-1269. Abstract.  Author URL.
Meyer-Frießem CH, Wiegand T, Eitner L, Maier C, Mainka T, Vollert J, Enax-Krumova EK (2019). Effects of Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Reflected in Sensory Profiles and Endogenous Pain Modulation. Clin J Pain, 35(2), 111-120. Abstract.  Author URL.
Sturm D, Vollert J, Greiner T, Rice ASC, Kemp H, Treede R-D, Schuh-Hofer S, Nielsen SE, Eitner L, Tegenthoff M, et al (2019). Implementation of a Quality Index for Improvement of Quantification of Corneal Nerves in Corneal Confocal Microcopy Images: a Multicenter Study. Cornea, 38(7), 921-926. Abstract.  Author URL.
Sturm D, Vollert J, Greiner T (2019). Implementation of a Quality Index for Improvement of Quantification of Corneal Nerves in Corneal Confocal Microscopy Images: a Multicenter Study (vol 38, pg 921, 2019). CORNEA, 38(10), E49-E49.  Author URL.
Meyer-Frießem CH, Eitner LB, Kaisler M, Maier C, Vollert J, Westermann A, Zahn PK, Avila González CA (2019). Perineural injection of botulinum toxin-A in painful peripheral nerve injury - a case series: pain relief, safety, sensory profile and sample size recommendation. Curr Med Res Opin, 35(10), 1793-1803. Abstract.  Author URL.
Frisaldi E, Shaibani A, Vollert J, Ferrero B, Carrino R, Ibraheem HD, Vase L, Benedetti F (2019). The placebo response in myasthenia gravis assessed by quantitative myasthenia gravis score: a meta-analysis. Muscle Nerve, 59(6), 671-678. Abstract.  Author URL.
Eitner L, Özgül ÖS, Enax-Krumova EK, Vollert J, Maier C, Höffken O (2018). Conditioned pain modulation using painful cutaneous electrical stimulation or simply habituation?. Eur J Pain, 22(7), 1281-1290. Abstract.  Author URL.
Martins Rocha T, Pimenta S, Bernardo A, Bernardes M, Barbosa M, Lucas R, Vollert J, Costa L, Maier C (2018). Determinants of non-nociceptive pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Acta Reumatol Port, 43(4), 291-303. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gierthmühlen J, Binder A, Förster M, Baron R (2018). Do We Measure What Patients Feel?. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 34(7), 610-617. Abstract.
Vollert J, Pasqualicchio C, Papenhoff M, Heitmann B, Müller F, Maier C (2018). Grip strength feigning is hard to detect: an exploratory study. J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 43(2), 193-198. Abstract.  Author URL.
Schwarzer A, Kaisler M, Kipping K, Seybold D, Rausch V, Maier C, Vollert J (2018). Opioid intake prior to admission is not increased in elderly patients with low-energy fractures: a case-control study in a German hospital population. Eur J Pain, 22(9), 1651-1661. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Magerl W, Baron R, Binder A, Enax-Krumova EK, Geisslinger G, Gierthmühlen J, Henrich F, Hüllemann P, Klein T, et al (2018). Pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain: comparison of sensory phenotypes in patients and human surrogate pain models. Pain, 159(6), 1090-1102. Abstract.  Author URL.
Brechmann T, Maier C, Kaisler M, Vollert J, Schmiegel W, Pak S, Scherbaum N, Rist F, Riphaus A (2018). Propofol sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy arouses euphoria in a large subset of patients. United European Gastroenterol J, 6(4), 536-546. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Schenker E, Macleod M, Bespalov A, Wuerbel H, Michel MC, Dirnagl U, Potschka H, Wever KE, Steckler T, et al (2018). Protocol for a systematic review of guidelines for rigour in the design, conduct and analysis of biomedical experiments involving laboratory animals. BMJ Open Sci, 2(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Üçeyler N, Vollert J, Broll B, Riediger N, Langjahr M, Saffer N, Schubert A-L, Siedler G, Sommer C (2018). Sensory profiles and skin innervation of patients with painful and painless neuropathies. Pain, 159(9), 1867-1876. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tampin B, Vollert J, Schmid AB (2018). Sensory profiles are comparable in patients with distal and proximal entrapment neuropathies, while the pain experience differs. Curr Med Res Opin, 34(11), 1899-1906. Abstract.  Author URL.
Rausch V, Schwarzer A, Dietrich JW, Kaisler M, Seybold D, Vollert J, Schildhauer TA, Maier C (2018). We miss the opportunity: Pretreament of osteoporosis in a German trauma center. PLoS One, 13(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Özgül ÖS, Maier C, Enax-Krumova EK, Vollert J, Fischer M, Tegenthoff M, Höffken O (2017). High test-retest-reliability of pain-related evoked potentials (PREP) in healthy subjects. Neurosci Lett, 647, 110-116. Abstract.  Author URL.
Baron R, Maier C, Attal N, Binder A, Bouhassira D, Cruccu G, Finnerup NB, Haanpää M, Hansson P, Hüllemann P, et al (2017). Peripheral neuropathic pain: a mechanism-related organizing principle based on sensory profiles. Pain, 158(2), 261-272. Abstract.  Author URL.
Huber JL, Maier C, Mainka T, Mannil L, Vollert J, Homann H-H (2017). Recovery of mechanical detection thresholds after direct digital nerve repair versus conduit implantation. J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 42(7), 720-730. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hegelmaier T, Kumowski N, Mainka T, Vollert J, Goertz O, Lehnhardt M, Zahn PK, Maier C, Kolbenschlag J (2017). Remote ischaemic conditioning decreases blood flow and improves oxygen extraction in patients with early complex regional pain syndrome. Eur J Pain, 21(8), 1346-1354. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Maier C, Attal N, Bennett DLH, Bouhassira D, Enax-Krumova EK, Finnerup NB, Freynhagen R, Gierthmühlen J, Haanpää M, et al (2017). Stratifying patients with peripheral neuropathic pain based on sensory profiles: algorithm and sample size recommendations. Pain, 158(8), 1446-1455. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mainka T, Vollert J, Enax-Krumova E, Kumowski N, Hegelmaier T, Kolbenschlag J, Maier C (2017). Unimpaired endogenous pain inhibition in the early phase of complex regional pain syndrome. Eur J Pain, 21(5), 855-865. Abstract.  Author URL.
Kemp HI, Petropoulos IN, Rice ASC, Vollert J, Maier C, Strum D, Schargus M, Peto T, Hau S, Chopra R, et al (2017). Use of Corneal Confocal Microscopy to Evaluate Small Nerve Fibers in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. JAMA Ophthalmol, 135(7), 795-800. Abstract.  Author URL.
Eitner L, Vollert J, Maier C, Attal N (2017). [Botulinum toxin A injections in neuropathic pain : a post-hoc subgroup analysis of patients with peripheral nerve injury]. Schmerz, 31(5), 524-526. Abstract.  Author URL.
McDonnell A, Schulman B, Ali Z, Dib-Hajj SD, Brock F, Cobain S, Mainka T, Vollert J, Tarabar S, Waxman SG, et al (2016). Inherited erythromelalgia due to mutations in SCN9A: natural history, clinical phenotype and somatosensory profile. Brain, 139(Pt 4), 1052-1065. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Attal N, Baron R, Freynhagen R, Haanpää M, Hansson P, Jensen TS, Rice ASC, Segerdahl M, Serra J, et al (2016). Quantitative sensory testing using DFNS protocol in Europe: an evaluation of heterogeneity across multiple centers in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and healthy subjects. Pain, 157(3), 750-758. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gehling J, Mainka T, Vollert J, Pogatzki-Zahn EM, Maier C, Enax-Krumova EK (2016). Short-term test-retest-reliability of conditioned pain modulation using the cold-heat-pain method in healthy subjects and its correlation to parameters of standardized quantitative sensory testing. BMC Neurol, 16 Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Kramer M, Barroso A, Freynhagen R, Haanpää M, Hansson P, Jensen TS, Kuehler BM, Maier C, Mainka T, et al (2016). Symptom profiles in the painDETECT Questionnaire in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain stratified according to sensory loss in quantitative sensory testing. Pain, 157(8), 1810-1818. Abstract.  Author URL.
Demant DT, Lund K, Finnerup NB, Vollert J, Maier C, Segerdahl MS, Jensen TS, Sindrup SH (2015). Pain relief with lidocaine 5% patch in localized peripheral neuropathic pain in relation to pain phenotype: a randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, phenotype panel study. Pain, 156(11), 2234-2244. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vase L, Vollert J, Finnerup NB, Miao X, Atkinson G, Marshall S, Nemeth R, Lange B, Liss C, Price DD, et al (2015). Predictors of the placebo analgesia response in randomized controlled trials of chronic pain: a meta-analysis of the individual data from nine industrially sponsored trials. Pain, 156(9), 1795-1802. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vollert J, Mainka T, Baron R, Enax-Krumova EK, Hüllemann P, Maier C, Pfau DB, Tölle T, Treede R-D (2015). Quality assurance for Quantitative Sensory Testing laboratories: development and validation of an automated evaluation tool for the analysis of declared healthy samples. Pain, 156(12), 2423-2430. Abstract.  Author URL.
Schwarzer A, Aichinger-Hinterhofer M, Maier C, Vollert J, Walther JW (2015). Sleep-disordered breathing decreases after opioid withdrawal: results of a prospective controlled trial. Pain, 156(11), 2167-2174. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mainka T, Bischoff FS, Baron R, Krumova EK, Nicolas V, Pennekamp W, Treede R-D, Vollert J, Westermann A, Maier C, et al (2014). Comparison of muscle and joint pressure-pain thresholds in patients with complex regional pain syndrome and upper limb pain of other origin. Pain, 155(3), 591-597. Abstract.  Author URL.
Demant DT, Lund K, Vollert J, Maier C, Segerdahl M, Finnerup NB, Jensen TS, Sindrup SH (2014). The effect of oxcarbazepine in peripheral neuropathic pain depends on pain phenotype: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phenotype-stratified study. Pain, 155(11), 2263-2273. Abstract.  Author URL.

Conferences

Frisaldi E, Vollert J, Al Sultani H, Hafuth S, Benedetti F, Shaibani A (2023). Placebo and nocebo responses in painful diabetic neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis.  Author URL.
Gupta S, Kemp H, Vollert J, Kennedy D (2021). A pilot study of cold intolerance and pain sensitivity in healthy volunteers: a survey-based study.  Author URL.
Gupta S, Kennedy D, Wu C, Rice A, Vollert J, Kemp H (2021). Cold sensitivity and intolerance in healthy volunteers: an experimental study.  Author URL.
Rocha TM, Barbosa M, Pimenta S, Bernardes M, Bernardo A, Lucas R, Costa L, Vollert J, Maier C (2018). SOMATOSENSORY DYSFUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - a QUANTITATIVE SENSORY TESTING ASSESSMENT.  Author URL.
Brechmann T, Maier C, Kaisler M, Vollert J, Schmiegel W, Pak S, Scherbaum N, Rist F, Riphaus A (2017). Propofolsedierung während gastrointestinaler Endoskopie führt bei nahezu der Hälfte der Patienten zu langanhaltender Euphorie. 72. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten mit Sektion Endoskopie – 11. Herbsttagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie gemeinsam mit den Arbeitsgemeinschaften der DGAV.

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards

  • Ronald Dubner Research Prize of the International Association for the Study of Pain 2020

Awarded biennially honoring the best paper, series of papers, or thesis by a trainee

  • Ruprecht-Karls-Award of the University of Heidelberg, Germany 2018

Awarded annually for the five best doctoral theses at the University of Heidelberg

  • First prize in clinical research of the German Pain Advancement Award 2017

Awarded annually by the German Pain Society for the best publication

  • Sertürner Award 2016

Awarded annually for extraordinary publications on Pain Research in Germany


Committee/panel activities

  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Sustainability Committee
  • Managing committee member of the International Association for the Study of Pain’s Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group
  • Board member and treasurer of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain
  • Serving on the scientific committees for the World Pain Congresses 2022-24, the International Congresses on Neuropathic Pain 2019-25, and the EFIC Pain in Europe Congress 2023
  • Serving on the Grants Working Group and the Audit Committee of the International Association for the Study of Pain

Editorial responsibilities

  • Section Editor of the European Journal of Pain
  • Editorial Board member of the Pain Research Forum

Invited lectures

  • IASP World Congresses on Pain, 2018, 2021, 2022
  • Congresses of the European Pain Federation, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023
  • International Congresses on Neuropathic Pain, 2017, 2019, 2023
  • German Pain Congresses 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • European Congresses on Clinical Trials in Pain, 2018, 2022, 2023
  • Scandinavian Association for the Study of Pain Meeting, 2022
  • International Conference on Controversies in Neuropathic Pain, 2022
  • SiPS Placebo Conference, 2021
  • REWARD EQUATOR Conference, 2020
  • Placebome in Clinical Trials and Medicine Meeting, 2019
  • Innovative Medicines Initiative Scientific Symposium, 2018

Media Coverage

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