Laughing gas may ease pain during physio for seniors

NCT ID NCT02230007

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a gas called MEOPA (laughing gas) can help elderly people manage pain during physiotherapy for stiff hips or knees. Six patients aged 65 or older received three sessions of physiotherapy with MEOPA or standard care. The goal was to see if the gas improved joint movement and reduced pain, offering a safer alternative to stronger painkillers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

MEOPA (a gas mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, also known as laughing gas)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a safer pain relief option for elderly patients during physiotherapy, reducing the need for stronger painkillers.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, completed Phase 4 trial with only 6 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The gas may cause side effects like dizziness or nausea.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU de Nice

    Nice, France

  • Pôle de Gérontologie Hôpital de Cimiez CHU de Nice

    Nice, 06000, France