Could a scented massage ease the strain on parents of children with developmental delays?
NCT ID NCT07800689
First seen Sep 02, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether teaching carers of children with global developmental delay to give aromatherapy massages can improve their caregiving experience and reduce stress. Around 30 carers in Hong Kong will attend an 8-hour training session, then give their child a 10 to 15 minute massage twice a week for four weeks. Researchers will interview carers and use surveys to see if the training changes their behavior and well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A training program for carers in aromatherapy massage using a blend of Petitgrain Mandarin essential oil and fractionated coconut oil, followed by home massage sessions.
- What this could lead to
- If the training helps, it could give families a simple, drug-free way to support children with developmental delays and reduce caregiver stress.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 30 carers, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefits of aromatherapy are not proven, and some people may have skin reactions to the oils.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Carer aged 18 or above (preferably parents) with children having global developmental delay. * Carers who has not received any aromatherapy training. Exclusion Criteria: * Carers cannot communicate with English or Chinese.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hong Kong Metropolitan University
RECRUITINGHong Kong, Hong Kong
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