Effects of Hypnosis on Skin Temperature

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Hypnotic glove anesthesia is a hypnosis technique wherein the patient, following the suggestions of the hypnotherapist, is mentally capable to create a loss of sensation in areas of the hand that would be covered by a glove. We investigated the effects of hypnotic glove anesthesia on skin temperature measured by thermography.

Detailed Description
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After 20 min installation and temperature equilibration (T0), the subject skin temperature was recorded in 5 regions of both hands (1 = distal hand, 2 = proximal hand, 3 = wrist, 4 = distal forearm, 5 = proximal forearm) using infrared thermography. After 10 min of latency, skin temperature was recorded again in both hands (T1). A first noxious stimulus (NOX1) is then applied by the hypnotherapist by pinching the webbing between the thumb and index fingers of the dominant hand between the thumb and the index. Pain intensity is assessed on a 0-10 (0 = no pain, 10 = maximal pain imaginable) numerical rating scale (NRS1). The hypnotic glove is then mentally created by the subject on his dominant hand following the suggestions of the hypnotherapist (T2). To assess the efficacy of the hypnotic glove, a second noxious stimulus (NOX2) is applied similarly to NOX1 and the NRS was recorded (NRS2). The subject is then invited to mentally wear off the glove (T3). Skin temperature is then recorded in both hands, and a third noxious stimulus (NOX3) is applied similarly to NOX1 and NOX2 to verify the disappearance of hypnotic anesthesia. A last record of skin temperature in both hands is performed 5 min after the glove is withdrawn (T4).

Official Title
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Hypnotic Glove Anesthesia: Effects of Hypnosis on Skin Temperature Measured by Infrared Thermography

Conditions
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Hypnosis, Healthy Volunteers

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers aged from 18 to 75 Exclusion Criteria: Neurologic or psychiatric disorder Upper limb amputation Microcirculation abnormalities (e.g. Raynaud syndrome)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in skin temperature during the experiment in the hand and forearm | Comparison of skin temperature between the dominant (wearing the hypnotic glove) and the non-dominant hand and forearm in the 5 predefined regions from Time 0 to Time 4. | During the study experiment, from the beginning of the experiment, after 20 min installation and temperature equilibration, to the end of the experiment, 5 min after the glove is mentally withdrawn (approximately 1 h). | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in pain intensity during the experiment following noxious stimulation | Comparison of pain intensity following noxious stimulation assessed by 0-10 NRS scale at Time 1, Time 2 and Time 3 in the dominant hand (wearing the hypnotic glove). | During the study experiment, from 10 min after the beginning of the experiment to 5 min before the end of the experiment, when the glove is mentally withdrawn (approximately 45 min). | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Hypnosis, Anesthesia, Suggestion, Thermography