Exploring the connection between placebo effects and pain report variability in chronic back pain patients
Exploring the Role of Physiological, Cognitive, and Personal Features in the Link Between Placebo-effect and Variability of Pain Reports
NA · University of Haifa · NCT05994118
This study is trying to see how different factors affect the way people with chronic back pain report their pain when given a placebo treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Haifa (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nahariyya) |
| Trial ID | NCT05994118 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate how various physiological, cognitive, and personal factors contribute to the relationship between the placebo effect and variability in pain reports among individuals with chronic back pain. A total of 130 participants will undergo assessments including the Focused Analgesia Selection Test (FAST) to evaluate pain report variability and a placebo manipulation involving an inert injection with verbal suggestion to elicit placebo responses. Additional factors such as stress levels, personal traits like optimism and suggestibility, and pain sensitivity will also be measured through questionnaires and psychophysical tests. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind pain perception and the placebo effect.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are literate adults aged 18 to 80 who have been diagnosed with chronic back pain lasting at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, malignancies, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with chronic back pain by leveraging the placebo effect.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success in exploring the placebo effect and its relationship with pain perception, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Literate adults * Aged 18 - 80 years * A diagnosis of chronic back pain * Sufferings from back pain during the last 3 months or more, with an intensity of 3 or more on a 0-10 NRS Exclusion Criteria: * Mental retardation or cognitive impairment * Pregnancy or breast-feeding * Malignancy and a diagnosis of malignant disease
Where this trial is running
Nahariyya
- Galilee Medical center — Nahariyya, Israel (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roi Treister, PhD — University of Haifa
- Study coordinator: Roi Treister, PhD
- Email: rtreister@univ.haifa.ac.il
- Phone: 0533839935
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.
Conditions: Chronic Back Pain