Examining how nonverbal vocalizations affect pain tolerance
Official title: The Effect of Nonverbal Vocalisations on Pain Tolerance
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT04425395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how making sounds like screaming or laughing while your hand is in cold water can change how much pain you can handle in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Etienne) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04425395 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults without any chronic pain or significant medical conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic pain, cardiovascular issues, or neurological conditions 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 study investigates the impact of nonverbal vocalizations, such as screams and laughter, on pain tolerance in healthy adults. Participants will undergo a cold pressor test, where they will submerge their hand in cold water while producing vocalizations. The study aims to understand the biological functions of these vocalizations and their influence on pain perception. By analyzing the relationship between vocal expression and pain tolerance, the research seeks to contribute to the understanding of nonverbal communication in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of pain management and the role of vocal expressions in coping with pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on nonverbal vocalizations and pain tolerance is novel, related studies on vocal expressions and physiological responses have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant in good health * Affiliated or entitled participant in a social security scheme * Participant who has received informed information about the study and has co-signed a consent to participate in the study with the investigator. 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 * Chronic smoker (more than 10 cigarettes a day)
Where it's running
-
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roland PEYRON, MD — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
- Study coordinator: Roland PEYRON, MD
- Email: roland.peyron@chu-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)477127805
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.