Electronic Approach to the Human Massage Therapist

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to gathering information about a patient's experience receiving a massage through a robotic EMMA (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation) compared to receiving a massage from a massage therapist.  Participants that report lower back pain and meet criteria for being on the study will be randomized to receive one of the two types of massage, EMMA or a massage therapist, and complete surveys before and after having the randomized massage.  

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria: Potentially eligible subjects must

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Report a primary pain point in Low Back.
  • Pain intensity reported at baseline must be 4 and above on the VAS scale (PROMIS Numeric Rating Scale).
  • Be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study.
  • Have understood and signed study informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria: Subjects will be excluded if they

  • Have used pain medications (outside of NSAID) or participated in a pain treatment within three days of study enrollment.
  • Have an implanted device (including 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.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 3/13/2025. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.
 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Michael Mueller, M.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Shawn Fokken CCRP

(507) 293-2740

GIMResearchStudies@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available