Can a sugar pill and meditation ease chronic pain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT06720909

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Arizona State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looks at whether combining mindfulness training (MBSR) with an open-label placebo—a pill that patients know has no active drug—is a practical way to help people with chronic pain. Researchers will randomly assign 45 adults to receive either mindfulness alone, the placebo alone, or both together. The main goal is to see if people stick with the treatments and find them acceptable, not yet to measure pain relief.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: open-label placebo (sugar pill with no hidden deception)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve chronic pain management by combining mind-body techniques with honest placebo use.
What could go wrong: This is a very early feasibility study with only 45 participants. It is not designed to prove the treatment works, only that it can be done. Results may not apply to everyone with chronic pain.

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 Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Arizona State University

Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States
Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus

Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States

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