Robotic hands take on back pain: can EMMA Out-Massage a human?
NCT ID NCT07040397
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares a robotic massage device (EMMA) to a human massage therapist for relieving lower back pain. Researchers want to see if people find the robot acceptable and if it's practical to use. About 40 adults with lower back pain will take part.
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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 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Oct 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 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: * be 18 years of age or older. * report a primary pain point in the lower back. * Pain intensity reported at baseline * Women of childbearing potential who self-report not being pregnant and agree to employ an effective method of birth control (surgical sterilization or oral contraceptives, barrier method with spermicides, intrauterine device, etc.) during the study period * be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study. * have understood and signed study informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Patients with the inability to stay in a prone position * Patients with bleeding disorders * Patients with allergies and/or local skin affectations * have used pain medications or participated in a pain treatment within three days of study enrollment. * have an implanted device (including a lap band) in the targeted area of massage therapy. * have used an investigational drug within 30 days of study enrollment. * have a history of any major cardiovascular events including heart valve disease, ongoing angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral vascular disease. * have clinically significant acute or chronic progressive or unstable neurologic, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, metabolic disease (such as uncontrolled diabetes type 2) active cancer, actively receiving treatment for cancer or within 1 year of cancer remission. * surgical intervention for pain within 1 month prior to enrollment. * active infection, wound or other external trauma to the areas to be treated with massage therapy. * have a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study or which might hinder adherence.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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 study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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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
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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