{
  "section_title": "Research",
  "section_subtitle": "The Research module showcases four major lines of scientific inquiry led by Prof. Montoya and collaborators. These research lines span neuromodulation and brain plasticity, chronic pain and brain activity, neurodevelopmental disorders and somatosensory processing, and affective processing and emotional disorders. Each area integrates advanced neuroimaging, psychophysiological methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address key questions in neuroscience and clinical practice. Through innovative studies and international partnerships, this module highlights ongoing efforts to understand brain mechanisms, improve patient outcomes, and advance knowledge in pain, emotion, and neurodevelopment.",
  "cards": [
    {
      "title": "Neuromodulation and brain plasticity",
      "subtitle": "University of Balearic Islands 2015 - Current",
      "content": "This research line explores non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and neurofeedback training as therapeutic interventions for chronic pain and neurological disorders. We investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback on pain modulation, cortical excitability, and functional connectivity. Our studies examine how these neuromodulatory techniques can reverse maladaptive plasticity caused by chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Using EEG, fMRI, and psychophysiological measures, we assess changes in brain activity patterns, somatosensory gating, functional connectivity, and autonomic regulation following neuromodulation interventions. We also develop and validate novel neurofeedback protocols combined with virtual reality and mobile health technologies to enhance self-regulation of brain activity and improve clinical outcomes. Collaborative research projects with Brazilian and German institutions focus on testing the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of different neuromodulation approaches for pain relief and restoration of normal brain function in chronic pain patients.",
      "image": "img/fig4.png?t=20260123",
      "alt": "Neuromodulation"
    },
    {
      "title": "Chronic pain and brain activity",
      "subtitle": "University of Balearic Islands 2000 - Current",
      "content": "The major aim of this research line is to analyze the brain activity in chronic pain patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and EEG. The underlying hypothesis is that chronic pain is characterized by plastic changes of the nervous system. Our experimental design pursues to demonstrate the existence of abnormal pattern in the brain processing of somatic information in chronic pain patients. In addition, we are interested on the influence of cognitive and affective factors on brain plastic changes. Three patients groups with similar sociodemographic, but different clinical characteristics are examined: fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Brain activity is recorded during nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimulation using fMRI. In addition, psychological characteristics of pain, neuropsychological functioning and pain thresholds are examined. This research is funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia and European Regional Development Funds (FEDER) (grants PSI2017-88388-C4-1-R, PSI2013-48260, PSI2010-19372, SEJ2007-62312, SEJ2004-01332, BSO2001-0693), the Regional Government of the Balearic Islands, and the private foundation La Marato TV3.",
      "image": "img/fig1.png?t=20260123",
      "alt": "figure"
    },
    {
      "title": "Neurodevelopmental disorders and somatosensory processing",
      "subtitle": "University of Balearic Islands 2010 - Current",
      "content": "This research line investigates somatosensory processing, pain perception, and emotional regulation in children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Using advanced neurophysiological techniques (EEG, event-related potentials), behavioral assessments, and autonomic nervous system measurements (heart rate variability), we examine how altered sensory processing affects pain sensitivity, motor function, social responsiveness, and quality of life in these populations. A major focus is developing objective pain assessment tools for individuals with communication disorders, including automated facial recognition systems using deep learning and salivary biomarkers. We also explore the therapeutic effects of somatosensory interventions, affective touch, and whole-body vibration on pain relief and functional improvement. Our studies investigate the relationship between proprioception, emotion knowledge, and behavior problems, as well as the neural dynamics of sensorimotor integration during proprioceptive tasks. This research includes international collaborations and aims to improve clinical assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions experiencing pain and sensory processing difficulties.",
      "image": "img/fig3.png?t=20260123",
      "alt": "Neurodevelopmental disorders"
    },
    {
      "title": "Affective processing and emotional disorders",
      "subtitle": "University of Balearic Islands 2000 - Current",
      "content": "This research line focuses on understanding the physiological and neural mechanisms underlying affective processing and emotional regulation in both healthy individuals and clinical populations. Using multimodal approaches including cardiovascular recordings, hemodynamic activity measures, skin conductance, electromyography, and brain imaging techniques (EEG and fMRI), we investigate how emotional stimuli and stress modulate autonomic nervous system responses and central nervous system activity. Special attention is devoted to examining the interaction between pain and emotion, particularly how affective states influence pain perception and how chronic pain conditions alter emotional processing. Our studies explore implicit and explicit processing of emotional facial expressions, affective pictures, and social stimuli in patients with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and other clinical conditions. We also investigate heart rate variability responses to affective inputs, the role of social support in pain modulation, and the neurophysiological correlates of emotion regulation strategies. This research contributes to understanding the bidirectional relationship between affective processes and somatosensory perception, with implications for therapeutic interventions targeting emotional and pain-related disorders.",
      "image": "img/fig2.png?t=20260123",
      "alt": "Affective processing"
    }
  ],
  "selected_publications": {
    "section_title": "Selected Publications",
    "section_subtitle": "Recent peer-reviewed work on pain neurobiology, neuroimaging, and neuromodulation.",
    "intro": "Full list available on <a href=\"https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CXKu_0oAAAAJ&hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Scholar</a>, <a href=\"https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8652-948X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ORCID</a>, and <a href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro-Montoya-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ResearchGate</a>.",
    "publications": [
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40147351/",
        "text": "González-Roldán, A.M., Delgado-Bitata, M., Dorado, A., Costa da Silva, I., & Montoya, P. (2025). Chronic pain and its association with cognitive decline and brain function abnormalities in older adults. Neurobiol Aging, 150: 172-181."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40106228/",
        "text": "Santana, J.E.R.S., Carvalho, M.L., Lopes, T.S., Miranda, J.G.V., Montoya, P., et al. (2025). Distinct brain connectivity patterns in sickle cell disease: a biomarker for chronic pain severity. Brain Connect, 15(3):125-138."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39029880/",
        "text": "Dorado, A., Terrasa, J.L., van der Meulen, M., Montoya, P., & González-Roldán, A.M. (2024). Altered endogenous pain inhibition and disrupted functional connectivity in older adults with chronic pain. J Pain."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38060074/",
        "text": "Lopes, T.S., Santana, J.E., Silva, W.S., Fraga, F.J., Montoya, P., et al. (2024). Delta and theta power in sickle cell disease with chronic pain: a resting-state EEG study. Brain Topogr, 37(5): 859-873."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39326290/",
        "text": "Sabater-Gárriz, A., Mestre-Sansó, F., Canals, V., Mingorance, J.A., Montoya, P., & Riquelme, I. (2024). Emotional modulation of proprioceptive beta rhythms in children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Res Dev Disabil, 154: 104842."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32648147/",
        "text": "Belmonte-Darraz, S., Montoro, C.I., Andrade, N.C., Montoya, P., & Riquelme, I. (2021). Emotion knowledge and regulation in children with cerebral palsy. J Autism Dev Disord, 51: 1238-1248."
      },
      {
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33666318/",
        "text": "González-Roldán, A.M., Terrasa, J.L., Prats-Sedano, M.A., Sitges, C., van der Meulen, M., Anton, F., & Montoya, P. (2021). Pain modulation via controllability and expectations in aging. Eur J Pain, 25: 1472–1481."
      }
    ]
  }
}