Examining how non-verbal vocalizations affect pain tolerance

The Effect of Exposure to Aversive Non-verbal Vocalizations on Pain Tolerance

NA · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT04423874

This study tests whether listening to sounds like babies crying can change how much pain healthy adults can handle when their hand is in cold water.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne (other)
Locations1 site (Saint-Etienne)
Trial IDNCT04423874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of non-verbal vocalizations, such as babies' cries, on pain tolerance in healthy adults. Participants will undergo a cold pressor test, where they will submerge their hand in cold water while listening to various vocalizations. The goal is to understand how these sounds influence pain perception and tolerance. The findings could enhance our understanding of non-verbal communication and its biological functions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults who are able to participate in the cold pressor test.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, cardiovascular issues, or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how non-verbal communication affects pain management and tolerance.

How similar studies have performed: While the study explores a relatively novel approach, similar studies on vocalizations and pain perception have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant in good health
* Affiliated or entitled participant in a social security scheme
* Participant who received informed information about the study and co-signed, with the investigator, a consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain
* High blood pressure or poor circulation
* Cardiac or vascular disease, or a heart condition (including symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome)
* Allergy or hypersensitivity to cold
* Diabetes
* Epilepsy
* Pregnancy
* Recent serious injury
* Neurological or psychiatric condition known to affect pain tolerance (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, schizophrenia)
* History of fainting or seizures
* History of frostbite

Where this trial is running

Saint-Etienne

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Healthy, nonverbal vocal communication, babies cries, pain tolerance, cold pressor test

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.