05/06/2026
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
Inclusion criteria
• 18-50 years old
• Willingness to give written consent and to participate in and comply with the study, understanding risks (please see below for more details)
• Confidence in balancing on one leg for 30 seconds
• Confidence in English literacy and numerical ratings
• Willingness to be the subject of a recorded video (including audio) during gait analysis trials
Exclusion criteria
• Current pain in foot, lower limb injury or lower back
• Current injury or disease to the foot, lower limb injury or lower back, including but not limited to: bruise, sprain, fracture, dermatitis
• History of disease that may impact sensory input, including but not limited to: neurological disease, neuropathy
• Known or suspected capsicum/pepper/chilli allergy
• Allergy or sensitivity to vinegar
• Diagnosis of, or suspected, osteoporosis or osteopenia
• High risk of undiagnosed osteoporosis or osteopenia, for example history of alcoholism, breast cancer treatment, history of vitamin D deficiency or early menopause
• High fear of pain according to our Fear of Pain Questionnaire
• Have studied any form of pain theory
• Intake of pain relief medications on the day, 12 hours prior to study participation (paracetamol, NSAIDs, opioid based medications)
• Intake of alcohol or recreational drugs 12 hours prior to study participation, or hungover on the day of your appointment
• Taking medications that thin blood, such as warfarin or aspirin
• Current pregnancy or unsure
• You are a friend, family or associate of the student researcher (Biara Webster)
