Examining how nonverbal vocalizations affect pain tolerance

The Effect of Nonverbal Vocalisations on Pain Tolerance

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT04425395

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint-Etienne)
Trial IDNCT04425395 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults without any chronic pain or significant medical conditions.

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 enhance our understanding of pain management and the role of vocal expressions in coping with pain.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on nonverbal vocalizations and pain tolerance is novel, related studies on vocal expressions and physiological responses 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 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 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.
Conditions Healthynonverbal vocal communicationpain tolerancecold pressor testNociception Level IndexVideo pupillometry
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.