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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Minneapolis, Minnesota and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2029 |
| Study ends | July 2030 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05843396 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
- Study coordinator: Victoria Brooks, LCSW
- Email: pipproject@wustl.edu
- Phone: (314) 312-2684
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.