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Influence of Oral Messages on the Activity of Wrist and Finger Flexor Muscles

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Muscle
Communication
Activity, Motor
Interventions
Behavioral: Positive message - placebo
Behavioral: Negative message - nocebo
Behavioral: Neutral message
Registration Number
NCT05206383
Lead Sponsor
John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska
Brief Summary

The aim of the study will be to evaluate the effect of oral messages on wrist and finger flexor muscle activity during the application of sham therapy in the form of paper plaster.

For years, research has been conducted on the effects of dynamic plaster and rigid plaster on muscle function. In many cases, reports from different authors are contradictory. Therefore, the planned study will use placebo paper plaster with no proven therapeutic effect.

Detailed Description

People's words can have a huge impact on how we interpret our surroundings, what we expect and experience, and how we behave. The placebo (and nocebo) effects are a clear example here. The way health professionals discuss, describe and inform patients about the characteristic effects of a given disease, its prevention, diagnosis and treatment influences patients' feelings and expectations, which in turn affects their psychobiological responses, subjective feelings and treatment outcomes.

The right choice of words by clinicians influences patients' response to medical treatments and procedures, both active and sham. The way in which information about the effects of treatment is communicated to patients can reinforce the outcomes of a particular treatment (placebo) or reverse clinically-proven effects of an active treatment, or even increase its adverse effects. The right messages can reduce the nocebo effect. And vice versa, the wrong choice of information provided may increase the patient's anxiety and disease symptoms.

The aim of the study will be to evaluate the effect of oral messages on wrist and finger flexor muscle activity during the application of sham therapy in the form of paper plaster.

Main hypothesis:

The use of a positive message will have an effect on increasing the activation and strength of the flexor muscles of the wrist joint and fingers.

Research questions:

1. Does a positive message have an effect on increasing the activation and strength of the flexor muscles of the wrist joint and fingers?

2. Does a negative message have an effect on increasing the activation and strength of the flexor muscles of the wrist joint and fingers? Does a neutral message have an effect on increasing the activation and strength of the flexor muscles of the wrist joint and fingers?

The study will be a prospective, flow-up study using a differential variable in the form of the type of message used (positive - placebo, negative - nocebo, neutral). The respondents will be randomly allocated to study groups using sealed allocation sheets.

Before taking part in the study, each subject will be familiarised with the course of the study and must give written informed consent to participate in the study and to be randomly assigned to a specific study group.

The subjects will be assessed twice - before applying a paper plaster and 10 minutes after applying the plaster and delivering a voice message.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
90
Inclusion Criteria
  • subjects not using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least one week prior to study entry,
  • age - 19-24 years,
  • written consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria
  • subjects studying for a degree in physiotherapy,
  • subjects post surgery on the examined upper limb,
  • subjects with past bone fractures in the examined upper limb,
  • subjects who have had an injury to the examined upper limb within 6 months before the start of the study.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Positive messagePositive message - placeboGroup A - 30 subjects who will be told that positive message.
Negative messageNegative message - noceboGroup B - 30 subjects who will be told negative message.
Neutral messageNeutral messageGroup C - 30 people who will be told neutral message.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Dynamometer testsChange in measured parameters 10 minutes after application of the plaster and delivery of the oral message relative to baseline measurement.

Assessment of wrist and finger flexor muscle strength. Patient in sitting position with the elbow joint on the examined side bent and the forearm resting on the table. The patient squeezes the dynamometer for a period of 3-5 seconds.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Testing with Naroxon Ultimum EMGChange in measured parameters 10 minutes after application of the plaster and delivery of the oral message relative to baseline measurement.

Assessment of wrist and finger flexor muscle activity. Patient in sitting position with the elbow joint on the examined side bent and the forearm resting on the table. The subject's arm is adducted, the wrist joint in an intermediate position. The electrodes are glued in the belly area of the flexor muscles of the wrist and fingers - about 2 cm from the medial epicondyle of the humerus in a distal direction at a distance of 1 cm from each other.

The patient squeezes the dynamometer for a period of 3-5 seconds.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Pope John Paul II State School Of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska

🇵🇱

Biała Podlaska, Poland

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