Muscular Synergies and Behavioral Adaptations of Gait in Pain Anticipation (SYAMAPP)
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-35
SponsorUniversite de Picardie Jules Verne
About this trial
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 criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
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
Disqualifiers
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
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Pain expectation conditioning
Other interventionParticipants 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)
Other interventionParticipants 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.
Intervention: Gait
Other interventionParticipants undergo assessment procedures including: * Pre- and post-application gait analysis (GAITRite mat, Zebris treadmill) * Physiological monitoring (EMG, HRV, EDA) * Identical questionnaires (BPI, TSK, FACS, PCS, VAS)
Treatment groups
34 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Nocebo Conditioning GroupExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Control GroupPlacebo comparator 2 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Walk ratio
Index that quantifies gait adaptations. Measured via GAITRite mat and Zebris treadmill.
Time frame
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.Secondary outcomes
1
ECG/Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
R-R interval variability during walking tasks.
Time frame
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.2
Electrodermal Activity (EDA)
Skin conductance during tasks.
Time frame
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.3
Pain Catastrophizing (PCS)
Pain Catastrophizing Scale total score (0-52). Users rate 13 statements on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (all the time).
Time frame
Before intervention.4
Fear-Avoidance Beliefs (FACS)
Fear-Avoidance Components Scale total score (0-100). Users rate 20 statements from 5 (Strongly agree) to 0 (Strongly disagree).
Time frame
Before intervention.Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov