Pain expectation conditioning: Participants receive application of a neutral cream (MEDICAFARM) with verbal and behavioral suggestions that it may cause localized pain. Researchers wear gloves during application and emphasize potential discomfort, stating effects may intensify with movement.
Comparator (Control Group): Participants receive identical application of the neutral cream but are informed it is inert and harmless. Researchers apply the cream without gloves and provide neutral instructions.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the anticipation of pain influences gait control and psychophysiological responses in healthy individuals. Participants will receive a neutral cream described either as potentially painful (experimental group) or inert (control group), and their behavioral and physiological adaptations will be measured during walking tasks.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 18-35 years
* Healthy participant with no self-reported diagnosed neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular disorders
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 30
* Ability to walk unaided for at least 10 minutes without major physical limitations
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of pain at the time of testing
* Self-reported diagnosed condition affecting mobility
* Known allergy to any component of the study cream
* Allergy to EMG electrode adhesives
* Inability to stand unassisted for more than 1 minute
* Inability to walk/run at the required speed and distance
* Weight exceeding 150 kg (due to treadmill limitations)
* Recent intake of:
* Analgesics (within 6 hours)
* Cigarettes (within 6 hours)
* Caffeine (within 2 hours)
* Skin lesions at the cream application site
* Pregnancy
* Failure to understand instructions
* Daytime pain reported by participant on day of experimentation
Primary outcome measure(s)
Walk ratio — During intervention (pre/post cream application): for the mat, during a 2-minute free walk and for the treadmill, during a 5-minute treadmill walk with increases in speed every 30 seconds. Index that quantifies gait adaptations. Measured via GAITRite mat and Zebris treadmill.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Université de Picardie Jules Verne
Amiens
France
Recruiting
More Universite de Picardie Jules Verne trials in France
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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