Using open-label placebos to reduce acute pain in healthy adults
Boosting Open-Label Placebo Effects in Acute Induced Pain in Healthy Adults
NA · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05819476
This study tests whether open-label placebos can help healthy adults feel less pain from simulated wounds caused by electrical stimulation.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 141 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05819476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of open-label placebo (OLP) on acute pain using an experimental model that simulates wound pain through electrical stimulation. Participants will undergo a randomized crossover design where they will receive OLP injections and their pain responses will be measured. The study aims to evaluate the duration and efficacy of OLP analgesia, comparing different administration methods. The research seeks to explore the potential of OLP as a non-deceptive treatment option for managing acute pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 65 with a BMI between 18 and 25 who can understand the study and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, neuropathy, or those taking medications that interfere with pain sensation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-pharmacological method for managing acute pain without the side effects associated with traditional analgesics.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of open-label placebos is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in various conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy volunteers (ASA Class I or II), aged 18 to 65 years * BMI between 18 and 25kg/m2 * Able to understand the study and the NRS * Able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in a previous open-label placebo study; for Part 2, this includes Part 1 of this study * Regular intake of medications or drugs potentially interfering with pain sensation (analgesics, opioids, antihistamines, calcium and potassium channel blockers, serotonin/ noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, corticosteroids) * Neuropathy * Chronic pain * Neuromuscular disease * Dermatological disease (i.e. Atopic Dermatitis) * Psychiatric disease * Pregnancy / Lactation
Where this trial is running
Basel
- University Hospital of Basel (USB); Department of Anaesthesiology — Basel, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Schneider, MD — Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Basel (USB)
- Study coordinator: Tobias Schneider, MD
- Email: tobias.schneider@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 328 65 43
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: Acute Pain, Open-Label Placebo, OLP analgesia, acute pain, hyperalgesia, allodynia