Exploring how observing others can reduce pain perception
Neural Correlates of Hypoalgesia Driven by Observation
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 |
| Enrollment | 182 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT03897998 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy volunteers aged 18-55 who are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain disorders or significant psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding placebo effects and observational analgesia, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.