Can a daily massage shape a Newborn's brain?

NCT ID NCT05843396

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how a newborn's brain is wired and whether daily massage can change it. Researchers will scan the brains of 80 babies, half of whom receive massage from their caregivers. The goal is to see if massage alters how different brain areas communicate.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Neonatal Massage
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a simple, drug-free way to support early brain development in newborns.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study. It is designed to observe changes in brain scans, not to prove any health benefit. Results may not apply to all babies.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEVELOPMENT, INFANT

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

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Locations

University of Minnesota
RECRUITING

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

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Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

Contact

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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