Using a Bluetooth device to reduce pain from pinprick stimuli

Impact of Bluetooth Haptics Device Distraction on Mechanical Pain Thresholds Induced by PinPrick Stimulators

NA · Stanford University · NCT06271642

This study tests if a Bluetooth device that provides vibrations can help healthy people feel less pain from tiny pinpricks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT06271642 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how a Bluetooth haptic device can influence the mechanical pain threshold in healthy participants when exposed to weighted pinprick stimuli. It employs a prospective, crossover design where participants will experience different frequencies of the haptic device alongside a needle sham. The goal is to determine if the device can effectively distract from pain sensations and alter pain thresholds. Participants will be monitored for their responses to the stimuli under varying conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults over 18 years old who are English-speaking and have intact hearing.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain, acute pain syndromes, or those currently taking certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive method to manage pain and anxiety during medical procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of haptic devices for pain management is an emerging field, this specific approach has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Greater than 18 years of age
* English speaking
* Hearing intact

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of chronic pain or acute pain syndromes
* Currently has nausea
* Has hearing loss
* Is pregnant
* Is currently taking beta blockers, chronotropic heart medications, or opioids or other prescription pain medications

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, Anxiety, vibrating device

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.