Muscular Synergies and Behavioral Adaptations of Gait in Pain Anticipation (SYAMAPP)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the anticipation of pain influences gait control and psychophysiological responses in healthy individuals. Participants will receive a neutral cream described either as potentially painful (experimental group) or inert (control group), and their behavioral and physiological adaptations will be measured during walking tasks.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-35 years * Healthy participant with no self-reported diagnosed neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular disorders * Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 30 * Ability to walk unaided for at least 10 minutes without major physical limitations Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of pain at the time of testing * Self-reported diagnosed condition affecting mobility * Known allergy to any component of the study cream * Allergy to EMG electrode adhesives * Inability to stand unassisted for more than 1 minute * Inability to walk/run at the required speed and distance * Weight exceeding 150 kg (due to treadmill limitations) * Recent intake of: * Analgesics (within 6 hours) * Cigarettes (within 6 hours) * Caffeine (within 2 hours) * Skin lesions at the cream application site * Pregnancy * Failure to understand instructions * Daytime pain reported by participant on day of experimentation