Comparing the EMMA electronic massager with a certified massage therapist for practicality and satisfaction.
Satisfaction and Feasibility Evaluation of an Electronic Massager (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation -EMMA) Compared to Massage Therapist-delivered Massage
This will test whether adults find the EMMA electronic massager practical to use and as satisfying as a massage from a certified therapist.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07042776 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover study asks adult participants to receive two massages—one delivered by EMMA, an automated electronic massager, and one by a certified massage therapist—with the order randomized. Participants and study staff will complete questionnaires about practicality, acceptability, and satisfaction after each session and report any adverse effects. The trial excludes pregnant or breastfeeding people, those with bleeding disorders, active cancer treatment, certain skin conditions, inability to lie prone, or unstable medical/mental health. Conducted at a single Mayo Clinic site, the focus is on feasibility and user-reported satisfaction rather than long-term clinical outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18 or older who can lie prone, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, do not have bleeding disorders or active cancer treatment, have no problematic local skin issues, and can attend in-person visits and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have bleeding disorders, active cancer treatment, cannot lie prone, have local skin allergies or lesions, or have unstable medical or mental health are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, EMMA could offer a consistent, scalable alternative to therapist-delivered massage that expands access and reduces reliance on therapist availability.
How similar studies have performed: Automated and mechanical massage devices have been tested previously with mixed user satisfaction and clinical effects, so directly comparing an automated device to therapist-delivered massage remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Ability to provide informed consent * 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 * Ability to complete all aspects of this trial Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Patients with inability of staying in a prone position * Patients with bleeding disorders * Patients with a current diagnosis of cancer or being treated for cancer * Patients with allergies and/or local skin affectations * An unstable medical or mental health condition as determined by the physician investigator
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brent Bauer, MD — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Shawn Fokken, CCRP
- Email: GIMResearchStudies@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-293-2740
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.