Touchdown or pain down? study links football fandom to chronic pain fluctuations

NCT ID NCT07583368

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Evidence In Motion Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether the weekly performance of a favorite NFL team affects chronic pain in avid football fans. Thirty-two adults with chronic pain completed weekly surveys during the football season, rating their pain, mood, and pain-related thoughts. The goal was to see if emotional reactions to wins and losses correlate with changes in pain intensity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could show that emotional ups and downs from sports fandom influence chronic pain, pointing to new ways to manage pain through emotional awareness.
What could go wrong: This is a small observational study with only 32 participants, so results may not apply to all chronic pain sufferers. It only looks at correlations, not cause and effect.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Depression Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC PAIN CHRONIC PAIN (BACK / NECK)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Evidence in Motion

Story City, Iowa, 50248, United States

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