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The somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold changes after a placebo procedure
Mirta Fiorio1, Mehran Emadi Andani2, Serena Recchia2,3
1Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Via Casorati, 43, 37131, Verona, Italy. mirta.fiorio@univr.it.
Experimental Brain Research
|August 16, 2018
Summary
Placebo effects can improve tactile acuity. A study found that verbal suggestion and conditioning reduced the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT), indicating enhanced tactile functioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Previous research demonstrated that placebo manipulation, involving verbal suggestion and conditioning, can enhance tactile perception.
- The relationship between placebo-induced perceptual changes and actual improvements in tactile functioning remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if placebo-enhanced tactile perception leads to improved somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT).
- To assess STDT as a measure of tactile acuity following placebo intervention.
Main Methods:
- An experimental group received verbal suggestion and conditioning regarding an inert cream's tactile enhancement effects.
- A control group was informed about the inert nature of the cream.
- Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT) was measured before and after cream application using electrical stimuli on the index fingertip.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed increased subjective perception of stimulus intensity.
- A significant reduction in STDT was observed exclusively in the experimental group.
- No significant changes in STDT were noted in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Placebo procedures, combining verbal suggestion and conditioning, can effectively reduce the temporal discrimination threshold.
- This suggests that placebo interventions can lead to measurable improvements in tactile acuity.
- The findings highlight the potential of psychological factors in modulating somatosensory processing.
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