Using open-label placebos to reduce acute pain in healthy adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.