Scientists probe the perfect pressure: how hard should a massage really be?
NCT ID NCT07393815
First seen Feb 06, 2026 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 26 times
Summary
This study will test how different intensities and patterns of manual pressure on the upper back affect heart rate, stress hormones, and pain sensitivity in 90 healthy adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sustained pressure at a single point, kneading along the muscle, or three standard massage techniques. The goal is to understand the body's dose-response to pressure, which could lead to safer and more personalized manual therapy.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Universidad Europea de Madrid
Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Manual pressure (graded sustained pressure, longitudinal kneading, and manual therapy protocols including lymphatic drainage and light/moderate-pressure massage)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help therapists choose safer and more effective pressure levels for treatments like massage, reducing risk of injury.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people, not patients. Results may not apply to real-world therapy or those with pain conditions.
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.