Could a simple leg massage boost brain health in sleep apnea patients?
NCT ID NCT07301762
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early study at Mayo Clinic tests whether using a device that massages the legs at night can help the brain clear waste products better in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The study involves 12 adults aged 50 and older who already use CPAP therapy. Researchers will measure changes in blood markers related to brain health and sleep quality after one month of nightly use.
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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 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
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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50 years and older
- 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.
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: * Age 50 years and older * Diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea * On stable, effective, and compliant CPAP therapy for a minimum of 6 months * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Willing and able to use automated manual lymphatic drainage device (Neuroglide) nightly for 1-month and participate in at-home sleep monitoring * Stable on a medication regimen for comorbid medical or mental health disorders for at least 3 months and not planning to undergo therapy adjustment during trial Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for 3 months or more), due to its potential impact on serum biomarker clearance * Other primary sleep disorders aside from OSA (i.e., narcolepsy, REM Sleep behavior disorder, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome), circadian rhythm disorder or shift work * Chronic neurological disorders (e.g. Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, ALS), due to their impact on biomarkers. History of headache (\<15 days a month) and stroke (over 6 months prior to enrollment) are allowed * Physical limitations preventing the use of Neuroglide device (e.g. inability to lay on the back due to pain, inability to setup the device due to limb dysfunction/weakness) * Physical limitations preventing the use or function of Somfit, including forehead skin lesions, history of adhesive allergies, implanted electronic devices (e.g. pacemakers) or the use of CPAP masks with forehead support/bar/pad (Fisher \& Paykel Vitera, Fisher \& Paykel Eson, ResMed Mirage Quattro, ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask, Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue), because the forehead piece of the mask would prevent the appropriate application of Somfit for at-home sleep monitoring. Because Somfit algorithms are based on physiological signals that include heart rate and it has not been validated in patients with persistent arrhythmia, we will exclude patients with history of atrial fibrillation and high PVC burden to avoid inaccurate estimates. * Acute cardiopulmonary disorders, infections, injury at/near the application site, abnormal lymphatic system due to previous surgery involving lymphatics or chronic lymphedema, acute inflammatory process (e.g. recent knee/hip surgery, upper respiratory tract infection, cancer not in remission) * Kokmen short test of mental status \< 34 (concern for mild cognitive impairment) * Inability to comply with study procedures
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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
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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