Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 19 to 99

Examining how attention affects the placebo effect

Official title: Effects of Attention and Placebo Modulation on Cycling Performance: an Experimental Study on Stationary Bikes

Run by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · NCT06827444 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how focusing your attention during exercise can change the effects of a placebo drink on healthy people.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages19 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment128 (estimated)
SponsorCatholic University of the Sacred Heart
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, Milano)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 7, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 12, 2024
Study endsMay 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 14, 2025
Trial IDNCT06827444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 and older who can provide a medical certificate confirming their good health.

Probably not a fit

Patients with known cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, upper respiratory tract infections, or caffeine allergies may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates the impact of attention on the placebo effect by manipulating participants' focus during a physical exercise session. A total of 128 healthy individuals will cycle on an ergometer for about 60 minutes, with phases where their attention is directed or manipulated. Participants will receive a placebo drink presented as stimulating, while a control group will undergo the same cycling without the placebo or attention manipulation. The study aims to understand how mindful and directed attention can influence the mind-body interaction and the effectiveness of the placebo effect.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how attention can be harnessed to improve the efficacy of placebo treatments.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating attention in relation to the placebo effect is novel, related studies have shown that attention can influence health outcomes.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persons (18+) in good health, verified by presenting a medical certificate (sporting, competitive or non-competitive, or of good health).
* Be available to go to a gym. If not enrolled, the cost of admission is borne by the project.

Exclusion Criteria:

* known cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, upper respiratory tract infections;
* allergy and/or intolerance to caffeine.

Where it's running

  • Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
    Milan, Milano, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.