Exploring how massage therapy affects anxiety and brain function
Massage for GAD: Neuroimaging and clinical correlates of response
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-10665241
This study is looking at how Swedish massage therapy can help people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder by seeing how it affects their emotions and brain activity, especially in areas related to anxiety, and if it can lead to feeling better overall.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10665241 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of Swedish massage therapy on patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It aims to understand how massage can influence emotional reactivity and brain function, particularly focusing on the amygdala and other related brain areas. By using neuroimaging techniques, the study will assess changes in brain connectivity and how these correlate with improvements in anxiety symptoms. Participants will receive massage therapy and undergo brain scans to evaluate the impact of this treatment on their mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with anxiety disorders who are not open to alternative therapies or those currently undergoing other intensive treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, accessible treatment option for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for massage therapy in reducing anxiety, but this research is novel in its use of neuroimaging to explore the underlying brain mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAPAPORT, MARK HYMAN — UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: RAPAPORT, MARK HYMAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.