Robot back hug may ease Parkinson's stiffness and pain
NCT ID NCT07376122
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study will test a robotic device called BackHug that delivers deep back massages to 30 adults with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The goal is to see if it improves walking, balance, back pain, and sleep quality. Participants will receive 40-minute sessions over a set period, and researchers will measure changes right before and after treatment.
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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.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
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 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis: Participants must have a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. * Disease Severity: Hoehn and Yahr Scale Stage 3 or below (indicating mild to moderate disability; capable of independent balance). * Functional Mobility: Ability to walk independently for approximately 5 minutes. Use of walking poles is permitted; however, reliance on a walking frame (Zimmer frame) or wheelchair excludes participation. * Age: 18 to 80 years. Exclusion Criteria: Participants are excluded if they present with any absolute contraindication to mechanical spinal mobilization, including: * Spinal Pathology \& Trauma: History of spinal malignancy (benign or malignant tumors), active spinal infection (e.g., tuberculosis), severe congenital defects (dysplasia), or currently healing spinal fractures/dislocations. * Metabolic \& Inflammatory Bone Disease: Diagnosed severe Osteomalacia or severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (due to ligamentous instability risk). * Neurological Contraindications (Non-PD): Evidence of spinal cord compression, Cauda Equina syndrome, or other serious neurological conditions causing spinal instability or loss of sensation. * Vascular \& Hematological Risks: History of aortic dysfunction (e.g., abdominal aortic aneurysm), severe haemophilia, or unmanaged coagulation disorders causing bleeding into joints.
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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 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.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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