Actively Recruiting
Effects of Attention and Placebo Modulation on Cycling Performance: an Experimental Study on Stationary Bikes
Led by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · Updated on 2025-02-14
128
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
20 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how different types of attention to sensory information can influence the connection between the mind and body, focusing on the placebo effect. The study explores mindful attention to improve how likely outcomes are perceived and directed attention to change outcome expectations, aiming to understand how these forms of attention can modify the placebo effect during physical activity. The study involves 128 healthy adults cycling on stationary bikes for about 60 minutes with alternating phases of attention manipulation. After a warm-up, participants receive a placebo drink described as "highly stimulating." A separate control group of 32 participants completes the cycling without the placebo or attention manipulation. Heart rate monitors and cycling performance data will be collected during exercise without feedback to participants. Participants will undergo pre-intervention assessments, and their heart rate, emotions, and perceived fatigue will be tracked throughout the cycling session and recovery. The main outcome measured is fatigue at 30 minutes, with secondary outcomes including heart rate and perceived effectiveness of the placebo drink. The study is randomized with single blinding and is conducted by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Role of Attention in Modulating the Placebo Effect
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Persons aged 18 years or older in good health, confirmed by a medical certificate
- Willing and able to attend gym sessions; admission cost covered by the project if not enrolled
You will not qualify if you...
- Known cardiovascular diseases
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Allergy or intolerance to caffeine
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 30 minutes per session
Participants perform cycling sessions wearing a heart rate chest strap. They complete a baseline warm-up followed by exercise tests without visual or verbal feedback. Heart rate and cycling performance data are recorded continuously during exercise and recovery. Participants are randomized to receive a placebo manipulation or control condition during the cycling tests.
1 session (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Milan, Milano, Italy, 20123
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Francesca NA Grosso, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
2
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