Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional

Examining the effects of massage on newborn brain development

Official title: Brain Organization, Development, and Response to Intervention in Individual Neonates

Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05843396 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether daily massages can help improve brain development in newborns compared to those who don’t receive massages.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Minneapolis, Minnesota and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 31, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 2029
Study endsJuly 2030
Registry record updatedAugust 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT05843396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking parents of healthy neonates born at or after 36 weeks of gestation.

Probably not a fit

Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with neonatal encephalopathy or those born prematurely before 36 weeks of gestation.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the impact of daily massage on brain connectivity in neonates shortly after birth. Participants will be divided into two groups, with one group receiving daily massages while the other will not, allowing researchers to observe any differences in brain development and response to intervention. The study focuses on understanding how early interventions may influence infant brain organization and development. By analyzing the outcomes, the researchers hope to gain insights into effective strategies for enhancing neonatal care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved developmental outcomes for infants through early interventions like massage.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of neonatal massage is less commonly studied, similar interventions in early childhood development have shown promising results in enhancing infant outcomes.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking
* Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prisoners (vulnerable population)
* Pregnant women \<18 years of age
* Active psychosis, mania, suicidal ideation (safety)
* Active substance dependence
* Gestational Age \<35 weeks (neonates)
* Neonatal encephalopathy (neonates)

Where it's running

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Washington University School of Medicine
    St Louis, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.