Exploring how awareness and subjectivity influence the placebo effect during exercise

Evaluating the Impact of Perceived Control on Placebo Effectiveness: A Comparison Between Classic and Self-Administered Placebo Paradigms

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus · NCT06533137

This study is testing how being aware of the placebo effect and personal feelings can change how tired people feel during exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
Trial IDNCT06533137 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of awareness and subjectivity on the placebo effect by utilizing a three-group experimental design involving active placebo, passive placebo, and control groups. Healthy participants will engage in a cycle ergometer session, where their perceived fatigue and physiological responses will be measured before and after the intervention. Participants will complete assessments on perceived exertion and emotional states, while their heart rate and respiratory rate will be monitored throughout the exercise. The goal is to understand how different conditions affect the perception of effort and fatigue during physical activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who possess a sports medical certificate and can communicate in Italian.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as those without a sports medical certificate or who do not speak Italian, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of the placebo effect, potentially leading to improved strategies for managing fatigue in various populations.

How similar studies have performed: While the placebo effect has been studied in various contexts, this specific approach focusing on exercise and subjective experience is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People who have a sports medical certificate
* People who speak Italian
* People who give their informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* People who do not have a sports medical certificate
* People who do not speak Italian
* People who do not give their informed consent

Where this trial is running

Milan

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 3 Placebo Groups in a Cycle Ergometer Session With Healthy ParticipantsPlaceboAgencySelf-Efficacy
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.