Exploring how observing others can reduce pain perception
Official title: Neural Correlates of Hypoalgesia Driven by Observation
Run by University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT03897998 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if watching others feel less pain can help people reduce their own pain, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how empathy and environment affect pain relief.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 182 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT03897998 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy volunteers aged 18-55 who are fluent in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic pain disorders or significant psychiatric 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 neural mechanisms behind pain reduction that occurs when individuals observe others experiencing pain relief. Using advanced imaging techniques like fMRI and EEG, the researchers aim to understand how the brain processes observational cues to trigger hypoalgesia, or reduced pain sensitivity. The study will also examine the role of empathy and the impact of immersive environments on enhancing this observational analgesic effect. Participants will receive either naloxone or saline to assess the influence of endogenous opioids on these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new nonpharmacological therapies for pain management, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding placebo effects and observational analgesia, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (18-55 years old) * English speaker (written and spoken) Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular, neurological diseases, pulmonary abnormalities, kidney disease, liver disease, degenerative neuromuscular disease, or history of cancer within past 3 years * Any history of chronic pain disorder or currently in pain * Severe psychiatric condition (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, mania, autism) and /or psychiatric condition leading to treatment and/or hospitalization within the last 3 years. * Personal history of mania, schizophrenia, or other psychoses * Nasal Polyps * Chronic intranasal drug use ( e.g., intranasal decongestants; antihistamines) * Lifetime alcohol/drug dependence, or alcohol/drug abuse in past 3 months * Use of antidepressants, ADHD medication, non-over-the-counter painkillers, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and/or narcotics during the past 3 months * Pregnancy or breast feeding * Color-blindness * Impaired, uncorrected hearing * Left handed * Allergies or sensitivities to creams, lotions, or food coloring * Any non-organic implant or any non-removable metal device (e.g., pacemaker, cochlear implants, stents, surgical clips, non-removable piercings) * Any prior eye injury or the potential of a foreign body in the eye (e.g., worked in metal fields) * Persistent functional impairment due to a head trauma * Fear of closed spaces * Any other contraindications for MRI (e.g., large tattoos on head and neck) * Previously participated in other "Pain Perception in the Brain" Studies in Colloca lab Failed drug test (testing for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and THC)
Where it's running
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University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luana Colloca, MD/PhD/MS — University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
- Email: NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-706-5975
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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.