Scientists probe the perfect pressure: how hard should a massage really be?
NCT ID NCT07393815
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
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.
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 90 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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Jul 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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18 to 65 years
- 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: * Age 18-65 years. * Healthy volunteers without diagnosed cardiovascular, neurological or severe musculoskeletal disorders. * No significant pain or pathology in the cervical, shoulder or upper back region that would interfere with pressure application. * Ability to understand the study procedures and to provide written informed consent. * Availability to attend the experimental session and the DEXA visit. Exclusion Criteria: * History of major cardiovascular disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease, heart failure, clinically significant arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, stroke or transient ischemic attack). * Neurological disorders affecting pain perception or autonomic function. * Acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the cervical or shoulder region that contraindicate manual pressure on the upper trapezius. * Coagulation disorders or high-dose anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy that increases bleeding risk. * Dermatologic conditions or skin lesions at sensor placement or pressure application sites. * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (due to DEXA scan). * Regular use of medications with a major impact on autonomic or cardiovascular responses (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics) that cannot be paused according to medical judgement. * Substance abuse or acute alcohol/drug intake in the 24 hours prior to the experimental session. * Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, may compromise safety or compliance.
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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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Universidad Europea de Madrid
Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
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